What Geese Know About Getting There

There is a sound that belongs to November. You hear it before you see anything: a faint, insistent honking somewhere overhead. Then the geese come into view, strung across the gray sky in that familiar V, heading somewhere warmer with the steady confidence of travelers who have made the trip before.

That V is not for show. Each bird flies slightly behind and to the side of the one ahead of it, riding the swirl of rising air that spins off the leader’s wingtips. Tucked into that updraft, a goose gets a small but constant lift and does not have to work as hard to stay aloft. Researchers have found the birds adjust their position and even the timing of their wingbeats to catch it precisely. The formation lets the flock travel considerably farther than any single goose could manage on its own.

The hardest job belongs to the bird in front, which gets no help from anyone. So, the geese trade places. When the leader tires, it drops back into the formation, and another bird moves up to take the wind. No single goose carries the flock. They share the burden.

And when one goose must drop out, sick or wounded or simply spent, others often go down with it and stay until it can fly again or until it cannot.

It is a good thing to watch in November, a month built around gathering. The lesson is not complicated. We go farther in formation than we do alone, and the lead is meant to be shared.

Wherever you are headed this season, I hope you have good company in the air with you.

~ Elisa McNinch, Realtor

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Our Featured Listings

If you are searching for a Realtor to help you list or buy a home, we encourage you to give us a call to see if we are the “right” agent for you.  

Take a look at our Featured Listings below:

If you would like to search the Houston MLS system for your next property, click on the Home button on the top menu bar to navigate the main BrunerTeam website.

Note: We are taking new listings all of the time. 

NEW 3-D Interactive Floorplans now available via:

ACTIVE LISTINGS:

• 3131 Cummins #54 in Greenway Plaza – (77027) – FOR LEASE –  PRICE REDUCED TO $1,095  – www.har.com/12071025 – ***ALL BILLS PAID*** REMARKABLE 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo located in the Heart of Greenway Plaza w/ ALL UTILITIES PAID including basic cable. Located in a GATED community. 1-assigned parking place in underground parking garage. Unit is located on the 2nd floor w/ balcony overlooking courtyard. UPDATED CONDO w/ sizeable living area w/ engineered wood floors & large storage closet. Kitchen w/ granite countertop, electric range, built-in microwave, dishwasher, & pantry. Refrigerator included. Spacious primary bedroom w/ lighted, walk-in closet. Bath w/ single sink in granite vanity & tub w/ tiled shower. Complex has swimming pool & large laundry facility. Just blocks away from Central Market & Highland Village. *Pets considered on case-by-case. NO SMOKING. Guest parking on street. IDEAL LOCATION FOR COMMUTERS w/ easy access to I-10, Hwy 59, & 610 Loop. Easy drive to Downtown, The Galleria, & Medical Center. Close to shopping, restaurants, & more! *CONDO OCCUPIED. READY FOR MOVE-IN 10/1/26!*. YouTube Video
• 14618 N. Eldridge Parkway in Hunterwood Forest – (77070) – FOR SALE – PRICE REDUCED TO $384,500  – www.har.com/13294082 –  2-story, 3280sqft home with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2-car garage. *TIMELESS CLASSIC* Longtime owners selling beloved, beautifully maintained French-style home w/ 4 bdrms, 3.5 baths, 2-car det garage in the heart of Hunterwood. Circular driveway provides abundant off-street parking. Roof (2015); Whole-house PEX re-pipe (2016); 2 zoned HVAC systems; Water heater (2025). Designed for the way families truly live. Elegant curved staircase. Private study. Kitchen w/ granite, glass cooktop, convec oven, under-cab lighting, & ample cabinetry. Spacious Family Rm w/ gas log FP & view of backyard. Formal dining or 2nd study. 1st flr Owner’s retreat w/ 2 sinks, garden tub, shower, & 2 walk-in closets. 2nd flr: Gameroom, 3 sizeable bdrms, 2 full baths. Bdrm #2 could be a 2nd primary or guest suite w/ ensuite bath. Backyard retreat w/ large covered patio, lush landscaping, sprinklers, & fully fenced backyard. Never flooded. Neighborhood pool, tennis, & more. Close to shopping, restaurants, & schools. Ready for its next chapter. Perhaps that chapter begins with you.  Homes.com 3-D Floorplan /  YouTube Video   *ASK ABOUT 2/1 BUYDOWN PROGRAM TO HELP WITH YOUR INTEREST RATE TO HELP MAKE YOUR MORTGAGE MORE AFFORDABLE
• 15902 Jersey Dr in Jersey Village – (77040) – FOR SALE – $384,900  – www.har.com/5255719 – 1-story, 2240sqft, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2-car garage. *READY FOR IMMEDIATE MOVE-IN*** Modern 1-story that has been elevated up out of the 100-yr flood plain w/ a HUGE backyard. Roof (2017); Gutter covers (2021), Double pane windows; PEX plumbing (2016); AC 16-SEER 4-ton (2017); R-22 blown insulation; Hardie siding; Ext & Int paint (2020); Engineered wood & Travertine. SPACIOUS family rm w/ floor-to-ceiling brick FP (gas/wood), vaulted ceiling, wet bar, & view of backyard. Formal dining. AMPLE NATURAL LIGHT. Island kitchen w/ granite, gas cooktop, convection oven, DW, MW & Refrigerator. Primary Suite w/ high ceiling, ensuite bath w/ 2 sinks, tiled walk-in shower, & 2 walk-in closets. Split bdrm plan. 3 secondary bdrms w/ carpet (2026). Guest bath w/ granite & tub/shower combo. 2-car garage w/ TALL ceiling for lift or add’l storage. POOL-SIZE BACKYARD! Walking distance to Carol Fox Park. IDEAL LOCATION FOR COMMUTERS w/ easy access to Hwy 290 & Bltwy 8. Enjoy nearby shopping, restaurants, schools, golf course. No HOA or MUD. JVPD & JVFD.  / YouTube Video   *ASK ABOUT 2/1 BUYDOWN PROGRAM TO HELP WITH YOUR INTEREST RATE TO HELP MAKE YOUR MORTGAGE MORE AFFORDABLE
  21018 Shelbyville in Long Meadow Farms – (77407) – FOR SALE – PRICE REDUCED TO $425,900  – www.har.com/4150475 – 2-story, 2766sqft, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2-car garage. *MOVE-IN READY* Original homeowners selling their beloved home. Built by Highland Homes. Environments for Living energy features: Double pane windows; Radiant barrier in the attic; Blown insulation; 2-zoned HVAC systems (1st & 2nd flrs) w/ programmable thermostats. Roof & gutters (2014). 2 water heaters. Rainsoft water softener. Hunter sprinkler sys (6-zones). Complete interior paint 2026 (walls, ceilings, trim & doors). Study w/ French doors w/ engineered wood flrs. Formal dining. Island kitchen w/ wide breakfast bar, espresso bean cabinets, granite, gas cooktop, oven, MW (2026), DW (2026), 2 pantries. Family Rm w/ floor-to-ceiling stone FP (gas/wood), wall of windows overlooking covered patio & backyard. Gorgeous Travertine tile flrs. 1st flr Primary Suite w/ 2 sinks, sep shower & garden tub, large WIC. 2nd flr: Gameroom, 3 sizeable bdrms w/ generous WIC, & 2 full baths. Ideal location for commuters w/ easy access to 99-Grand Pkwy. Close to shopping, restaurants, schools, & more! Homes.com 3-D Floorplan / YouTube Video  *ASK ABOUT 2/1 BUYDOWN PROGRAM TO HELP WITH YOUR INTEREST RATE TO HELP MAKE YOUR MORTGAGE MORE AFFORDABLE
• 16217 Lakeview in Jersey Village – (77040) –  FOR SALE – PRICE REDUCED TO $429,999  – www.har.com/50682931 – 2-story, 2518sqft home with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-car garage. *CHARMING* Longtime owners of 23yrs selling their beloved home. Amenities: Roof (2016); Double pane windows (2008); Whole-house generator (2011); High-efficiency HVAC (AC 2009 & heater 2022); Blown insulation; Replaced w/ copper plumbing (95%); Hardie board siding on house; Garage door (2020); Exterior workshop or shed w/ electric, insulation, window AC; Ring doorbell & camera sys; & MORE. Wood-like tile flrs in formal living & dining. Kitchen w/ Silestone, under-cab lighting, double convection ovens (2011), DW (2023), & lighted pantry. Spacious family rm w/ wood-burning brick FP w/ gas & wall of windows. 1st flr primary w/ remodeled bath w/ 2 vanities, 2 walk-in closets, & shower (2007). Utility W&D incl. 2nd flr: 3 bdrms, generous closets, & updated bath (2006). Det 2-car garage + carport (GREAT COVERED PATIO &/OR PICKUP TRUCK PARKING!) Pool-sized backyard w/ mature shade trees. Sprinkler sys. Natural gas grill.  Homes.com 3-D Floorplan /  YouTube Video *ASK ABOUT 2/1 BUYDOWN PROGRAM TO HELP WITH YOUR INTEREST RATE TO HELP MAKE YOUR MORTGAGE MORE AFFORDABLE
•  16405 Smith St in Jersey Village – (77040) – FOR SALE – PRICE REDUCED TO $468,000  – www.har.com/21143098 – 2-story, 3294sqft home with 3 or 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2-car garage. *REMARKABLE* Traditional English Tudor-style home nestled beneath mature shade trees on a quiet street in the heart of Jersey Village. NEVER FLOODED. Roof (2023); brick & Hardie exterior; 3-zoned HVACs; copper piping; tile & wood laminate (NO carpet). Versatile floorplan offers SPACIOUS 1st flr Game Rm w/ spiral staircase leading to loft & private Study—ideal for a home office or hobbies. 1st flr Primary Bdrm w/ 2 closets & remodeled spa bath (2021) w/ dual sinks, standalone tub & walk-in shower. Family Rm w/ floor-to-ceiling brick gas log FP, vaulted beamed ceiling, & windows overlooking yard. Dining Rm w/ wet bar. Kitchen w/ hardwood cabinetry & quartz. 2nd flr: 2 large bdrms w/ walk-in closets, EACH w/ its own updated ensuite bath (Baths #2 & #3). “Flex” Space could easily become Bdrm #4. Utility w/ gas & elec conn. Covered pergola overlooks fenced backyard. Sprinklers. Det 2-car garage.  Homes.com 3-D Floorplan  / YouTube Video *ASK ABOUT 2/1 BUYDOWN PROGRAM TO HELP WITH YOUR INTEREST RATE TO HELP MAKE YOUR MORTGAGE MORE AFFORDABLE
• 15310 Philippine in Jersey Village – (77040) –  FOR SALE – PRICE REDUCED TO $497,500  – www.har.com/29955652 – 1-story with 2655sqft, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-car garage. Gorgeous 1-story ELEVATED OUT OF THE 100-YR FLOOD PLAIN IN 2025 + an exceptional 492-SF BONUS FLEX SPACE behind 2-car garage! More than a gameroom, this sep space offers dedicated HVAC, water heater, 1/2 bath, & plumbing for future FULL BATH—remarkable potential for home office, gym, studio, gameroom or future sep quarters. MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS: Roof & gutters (2024); high-efficiency 16-SEER HVAC (2019); Ace Duraflow epoxy-coated pipes (2007); updated kitchen & 2 full baths (2016); exterior paint (2025); re-graded yard, new backyard sod & sprinkler sys (2025). Circular drive + iron driveway gate for ample parking. Inside, island kitchen w/ granite, under-cab lighting, abundant cabinetry, 2 pantries & refrigerator. Formal living & dining. SPACIOUS family rm w/ vaulted ceiling & stacked-stone gas/wood FP. Primary Retreat w/ 2 sinks, oversized shower, jetted tub & 2 closets. GENEROUS STORAGE! Study/Bdrm #4 w/ French doors. Easy access to 290/Bltwy 8. Walk to JVHS & Post Elem.   Homes.com 3-D Floorplan  /  YouTube Video *ASK ABOUT 2/1 BUYDOWN PROGRAM TO HELP WITH YOUR INTEREST RATE TO HELP MAKE YOUR MORTGAGE MORE AFFORDABLE
• 7707 Stone Arbor in Greatwood – (77479) – FOR SALE – PRICE REDUCED TO $625,000  – www.har.com/36641001 – 2-story, 3501sqft, home with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, oversized 2-car garage. *GORGEOUS HOME in the heart of GREATWOOD* Relax in private backyard oasis w/ heated pool & spa w/ Pebbletec finish, flagstone waterfalls, Travertine deck, outdoor kitchen w/ gas grill & copper awning. Step into this timeless classic w/ elegant curved staircase, formal living & dining rms. Matte-finished wood flrs. Island kitchen w/ granite, double ovens, gas cooktop, LARGE pantry. Family rm w/ gas log FP & built-ins. Study w/ French doors OR 4th Bdrm w/ full bath (1st flr). 2nd flr Primary Suite w/ exec bath w/ 2 sinks, sep shower, jetted tub, & 2 walk-in closets. 2nd flr: Gameroom, 2 secondary bdrms w/ Jack & Jill bath. Amenities: Roof (2020); Energy efficient double pane windows; LED lighting & ceiling fans (2023), fiberglass blown insulation, 2-zoned HVACs (2nd flr unit: compressor & furnace 2022 / evaporator coil 2024); Smart thermostats; Water heaters (2023 & 2025); Woven cloth shades, tray ceilings, crown molding. Oversized insulated garage. Full sprinkler system.  Homes.com 3-D Floorplan /   YouTube Video

PENDING SALE:

• 16217 Capri in Jersey Village – (77040) – UNDER CONTRACT WITH ONLY 2 DAYS ON MARKET – FOR SALE – $549,900  – www.har.com/7371372 – 2-story, 3044sqft home with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, oversized 2-car garage, & swimming pool + spa. *CHARMING ENGLISH TUDOR W/ WATERFALL POOL & SPA* Nestled beneath mature shade trees on a quiet tree-line street in the heart of Jersey Village. READY FOR IMMEDIATE MOVE-IN! Roof (2021); TWO high-efficiency HVAC sys+ductwork+fiberglass blown insulation (2023); Double pane windows; Radiant barrier; Water softener, & MORE! Lovely interior w/ wood floors, multi-tiered crown molding, & recessed lighting. TONS OF STORAGE! Formal dining. Chef’s kitchen w/ granite countertop, under-cab lighting, gas cooking, walk-in pantry. Large family rm w/ built-ins, floor-to-ceiling brick FP, wall of windows overlooking pool & backyard. Study w/ built-ins. 1st flr primary w/ 2 sinks, garden tub, shower, & 2 WICs. 2nd flr: Gmrm w/ wet bar, 3 bdrms, & full bath. Hidden bookcase to “Texas basement” (floored walk-in attic). Porte corchere. Det oversized 2-car garage w/ workshop + massive floored overhead storage area.. Homes.com 3-D Floorplan / YouTube Video

OCTOBER SOLDS / LEASED:

• 826 Ivory Ridge in Green Trails – (77094)– FOR LEASE – $3,600 A MONTH  – www.har.com/91343949– 2-story, 3557sqft home with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, oversized 2-car garage. *STUNNING HOME* *AMAZING LOCATION* Timeless classic built by Trendmaker in the heart of Green Trails. Roof (2015); 2 zoned HVACs; Brick & Hardie; Gutters; Double pane windows; Int paint (2026); LVP flooring throughout much of 1st floor & staircase (2026); Carpet (2026); Updated lighting & ceiling fans. Refinished leaded glass door (2026). Elegant foyer w/ soaring ceiling & sweeping staircase. Study w/ French doors. Formal dining. Island kitchen w/ quartz (2026), downdraft gas stovetop, oven (2026), MW (2026), freshly painted cabinets (2026). Spacious family rm w/ gas log FP & wall of windows. 1st flr primary suite w/ sitting area w/ FP. Updated Primary bath: 2 vanities w/ quartz (2026), jetted tub w/ new tilework (2026), oversized tiled walk-in shower w/ glass door (2026), & large WIC. 2nd flr: Gmrm, 3 sizeable bdrms, generous closets, & 2 full baths. Covered patio & freestanding wooden pergola – great for entertaining. Full sprinkler sys. 3-car det garage w/ expanded drive. NO PETS. Homes.com 3-D Floorplan / YouTube Video
• 17711 Chartertree in Rosehill Meadows – (77377) – FOR SALE FOR $275,500 – REPRESENTED BUYER – www.har.com/94307838 – 1-story built in 2022, 1869sqft, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2-car garage. Welcome Home, this 4 Bedroom 2 Bath design has a luxury model home feel that’s sure to impress. Designed for both comfort and functionality, the inviting entry offers an open-concept layout featuring spacious living and dining areas, a private primary suite, and flexible living spaces ideal for today’s lifestyle. The well-appointed kitchen serves as the heart of the home, seamlessly connecting to the dining and family room areas—perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying everyday living. The thoughtfully designed floor plan includes a generous primary retreat w/ an en-suite bath and walk-in closet, while secondary bedrooms provide comfortable accommodation for family members or a home office. Relax and enjoy the outdoor oasis, perfect for family gatherings. Great location w/ convenient access to major thoroughfares, employment centers, shopping, dining, and highly regarded schools, making this home an exceptional opportunity for homeowners seeking both convenience and community.

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Open House schedule for November:

SAT 11/7 – 21018 Shelbyville (Richmond – 77407) – Coordinate a collaborative open house with other listing agents in Long Meadow Farns (Richmond) 

SAT 11/14 – 7707 Stone Arbor in Greatwood (Sugar Land – 77479) Coordinate a collaborative open house with other listing agents in Greatwood (Sugar Land)  

SUN 11/15 – Jersey Village (77040) Collaborative Open House: 15902 Jersey Dr, 16217 Lakeview, 16405 Smith St, 15310 Philippine – Coordinate a collaborative open house with other listing agents in the City of Jersey Village (77040).  

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Before You Light The First Fire

The first cold snap sends most of us straight to the thermostat, the fireplace, or the space heater in the hall closet. Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires each winter, and nearly all  those fires are preventable with a little attention before the cold really sets in.

Have the chimney inspected. Creosote builds up invisibly inside the flu and burns hot and fast. An annual inspection and cleaning by a certified sweep is the single best thing you can do before your first fire of the season. It also catches nests, cracks, and blockages you would never spot from the hearth.

Give space heaters room. Keep at least three feet of clear space around any portable heater, and keep it away from bedding, curtains, and furniture. Plug it directly into a wall outlet, never into an extension cord or power strip, and turn it off whenever you leave the room or go to bed.

Test your detectors. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors both belong on every level of the home and near sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible, and furnaces, fireplaces, and gas appliances are all potential sources. Press the test button on each one and replace the batteries now, while you are thinking about it.

Change the furnace filter. A clogged filter makes your system work harder, run longer, and cost more. It is a 5-minute job that pays for itself over a season.

Ash disposal deserves one last word. Fireplace ashes can hold live embers for days. Store them in a metal container with a lid, well away from the house, never in a paper bag or a plastic bin in the garage.

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Forgotten Treasures In Old Books

Bookstore employees often stumble upon unexpected treasures hidden between the pages of forgotten books. Some of the more intriguing finds include a letter from Mrs. Robert E. Lee, old photographs, birth certificates, and ticket stubs. It’s not uncommon to discover cash, and love letters are frequently unearthed.

In one memorable case, novelist David Bowman intentionally tucked rejection letters from publishers into a first edition of his novel Let the Dog Drive (Penguin USA), which he later sold for a handsome sum.

When selling your own books, you have a choice: carefully search for any forgotten items, or leave behind an anonymous surprise for the next lucky reader to discover!

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Texas Renaissance Festival 

“Huzzah and welcome to the Texas Renaissance Festival, a grand spectacle that transports visitors to an era of chivalry, merriment, and enchantment. Nestled in the heart of Texas, we are the largest and most acclaimed Renaissance-themed attraction in the United States. Whether one is donned in period garb or simply a curious spectator in one’s favorite tee shirt and jeans, the Texas Renaissance Festival promises an unforgettable journey into the magic and splendor of the Renaissance era.”

2026 Dates: Weekends, October 10^th through November 29^th and Thanksgiving Friday.

For more info: Texas Renaissance Festival 2026

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The Great Thanksgiving Thaw

Thanksgiving lands on Thursday, November 26, and the most common holiday cooking disaster starts days earlier, in the freezer. A frozen turkey takes far longer to thaw than most people expect.

The refrigerator method is safest: about 24 hours for every four to five pounds. A 16-pound bird needs roughly four days, so a Thursday dinner starts thawing on Sunday. Keep it wrapped on a tray on the bottom shelf, so nothing drips onto other food.

Behind schedule? Submerge the turkey, still in its packaging, in cold tap water and change the water every 30 minutes. Budget 30 minutes per pound and cook it immediately once thawed. Never thaw on the counter, where the outer layers sit at bacteria-friendly temperatures long before the center gives up its ice.

Trust a thermometer over the plastic pop-up timer. The bird is done when the thickest part of the thigh, the wing, and the breast all reach 165 degrees, and stuffing must reach 165 as well.

One more thing: Thanksgiving is by far the busiest day of the year for home cooking fires. Stay in the kitchen while the stovetop is on, keep towels and packaging away from burners, and keep children and pets out of the cooking zone.

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November 2026 Happenings In Houston

Take a look at some events and activities Houston offer. Take a look at The Hobby Center; Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion; The Alley Theater; Toyota Center, Theater Under The Stars; Houston Zoo; Houston Symphony; Houston Ballet, Miller Outdoor Theater; Wortham Theater; Jones Hall;  N.A.S.A & Space Center Houston; Art Car Museum; Arboretum & Nature Center; Natural Science Museum; Kemah Boardwalk; & SO MUCH MORE! Take a look at some of the events in the links below for you, your family, & friends to enjoy in Houston & the surrounding areas:

   Southern Living: 20 Best Things To Do In Houston

Visit Houston: November Events in Houston 2026

Houston Mom’s: Happenings in Houston in November

Kids Out and About.com: November activities in & around Houston

  101 Family Day Trips Around Houston

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Look Up In Mid-November       

One of the year’s most reliable sky shows, the Leonid meteor shower, peaks around November 17 and 18. On a clear, dark night, expect ten to fifteen meteors an hour.

You are watching very old dust. Every 33 years, Comet Tempel-Tuttle passes through the inner solar system, leaving a trail of debris. Earth crosses it each November, and the particles hit our atmosphere at roughly 44 miles per second, making the Leonids among the fastest meteors we see. Most are no bigger than a grain of sand; the streak is not the particle but the column of superheated air behind it, 50 to 70 miles overhead.

Every few decades Earth crosses a denser clump, and the shower becomes a storm. In 1833, observers reported thousands an hour, so thick that people woke their neighbors. It happened again in 1966 and, more modestly, in 2001.

There is no equipment needed. Find a spot away from streetlights, give your eyes 20 minutes to adjust, and look up. The meteors radiate from Leo, rising in the east after midnight, but can flash anywhere. Dress warm and be patient.

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Monthly Recipe: Pumpkin Crumb Coffee Cake

As cooler weather sweeps in and the holidays approach, it easy to seek comfort foods like biscuits & sausage gravy and sweet, aromatic coffee cakes. From Southern Living, “One can of pumpkin makes this coffee cake extra moist and full of fall flavor.

Skip the pastry run and make this Pumpkin Crumb Coffee Cake at home. A thick brown-sugar crumb topping sits on a moist, spiced pumpkin cake, drizzled with vanilla icing for a bakery-style finish. Baked in a 9×13-inch pan, it uses an entire can of pumpkin puree to yield plenty of slices for guests or leftovers. Make it for Thanksgiving breakfast or any fall weekend when a pumpkin spice craving hits.”

For more go to:  Pumpkin Crumb Coffee Cake

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Shop Smart This Black Friday

Black Friday falls on November 27, though the deals will have been running for weeks by then. The sales are real, but so is the pressure to buy quickly, and that combination is where budgets tend to come apart.

Check the price history. Browser extensions and price tracking sites will show you what an item actually sold for over the past several months. A “50% off” tag means very little if the item was marked down almost as far in September.

Watch for doorbuster models. Some heavily advertised televisions and appliances are built specifically for holiday sales, with lower-end components and slightly different model numbers than the version reviewed online. Compare the exact model number before you commit.

Read the return window. Holiday return policies vary widely, and some retailers shorten the window on clearance items or exclude them entirely. If it is a gift, confirm the recipient can return it without your receipt.

Use a credit card. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards, and many add extended warranty or purchase protection at no cost.

Finally, decide what you are buying before the sales start. A list written in a calm moment is the best defense against a countdown clock on a website.

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Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26th. 

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  Houston Housing Market Review

Multiple Listing Service of the Houston Association of REALTORS® includes residential properties and new homes listed by 50,000 REALTORS®

HOUSTON HOMEBUYING ACTIVITY EASES IN SEPTEMBER AS MORTGAGE RATES RISE

For a DETAILED review from the Houston Association of Realtors, take a look at their comprehensive review posted at https://www.har.com/content/department/mls

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The Vitamin Your Skin Stops Making

Your body produces vitamin D when sunlight hits your skin, but that process depends on the sun being high enough in the sky. Across the northern half of the country, the sun sits at too low an angle from roughly November through February for your skin to make meaningful amounts, no matter how long you stay outside.

Vitamin D matters more than most people realize. It helps the body absorb calcium and maintain bone strength, supports normal immune function, and has been linked in research to mood regulation. Low levels are common in winter and often go unnoticed, since the symptoms tend to be vague: fatigue, aching muscles, low mood, or getting sick more often than usual.

Food helps fill the gap. Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are the best natural sources, and fortified milk, orange juice, cereals, egg yolks, and some mushrooms all contribute.

Supplements are an option for many people, but the right amount varies considerably depending on age, skin tone, medications, and existing levels. A simple blood test can tell you where you stand. If you have been dragging through the last several winters, it is a reasonable thing to ask your doctor about at your next visit.

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When you Know It, But You Can’t Say It

Remember that time when you couldn’t say the name of that thing, that — uh, whatchamacallit?

That lapse of memory has a name: Lethologica, the situation when a known word is on the tip of your tongue, but you can’t get it out.

Authors Roger Kreutz and Richard Roberts recently examined this phenomenon in their book, Changing Minds: How Aging Affects Language and How Language Affects Aging.

Turns out that people everywhere experience the Tip Of the Tongue (TOT) problem. It gets more frequent with age, but across all ages, the same percentage of lapses are eventually resolved, meaning the word is found.

Why does it happen? The authors say that instances of TOT are not predictable and their cause is grist for speculation only. It might be that failure to grab a word out of the gray matter is a sign of weakening connections between concept and memory. On the other hand, at least one psychologist says that older adults might have the problem because they just have a lot of knowledge to sift through.

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SL: How To Care For Roses In Fall For Bigger, More Beautiful Blooms Next Spring

From Southern Living, “A little attention now goes a long way to ensure healthier plants next year.

After the last rose blooms fade in fall, you can finally take a step back. Roses are cold-hardy plants that take a long pause in winter. You don’t need to spend the coldest months of the year watering, fertilizing, and spraying your rose bushes. However, taking good care of roses in fall prepares them for the cold and keeps them healthy all winter long. Set them up for success, and your rose garden will blossom next spring.

We’ve provided all the details for fall rose care, from mulching and feeding to watering and pruning. Find out how to care for roses in fall so they burst with color in spring.” 

For more go to: How To Care For Roses In Fall

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Leaving Town For The Holidays?

An empty house over a long holiday weekend is an easy target, and most of the tells are things we do without thinking.

• Put interior lights, and a radio or television, on variable timers rather than a single fixed schedule.
• Stop mail and package deliveries, or have a neighbor collect them daily.
• Wait until you are home to post photos from your trip.
• Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway while you are gone.
• Set the thermostat no lower than 55 degrees and open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls.
• Shut off the main water supply if you will be away more than a few days.

That last pair matters as much as the security steps. A burst pipe discovered four days later does more damage to a home than most break-ins, and it is the kind of loss that starts with a thermostat set a few degrees too low.

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SL: This Charming Texas Town Is Famous For Its Legendary Barbecue And Historic Downtown

From Southern Living, “Originally an old 19th-century railroad town and a major exporter of cotton, Taylor, Texas, is now embracing its newest identity as a notable tech manufacturing hub. With a recent $44 billion dollar investment in the Samsung Semiconductor plant, the city stands at the forefront of semiconductor chip production.

But you won’t find many signs of a tech boom in and around downtown Taylor, which has maintained its historic, small-town charm and apparent love of all things vintage. From antique stores to historic buildings that have been reimagined into vibrant new shops and restaurants, Taylor is a unique city that’s worth getting off the beaten path to explore.”

For more go to:  Things To Do In Taylor, Texas

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Don’t Always Trust The Voice On The Phone

A grandmother gets a call late at night. It is her grandson, clearly upset, saying he has been in an accident in another state and needs money for bail before anyone finds out. The voice is unmistakably his. It is also not him.

Artificial intelligence can now clone a convincing version of someone’s voice from a very short sample, and short samples are everywhere: social media videos, voicemail greetings, podcasts, and school performances. Scammers have taken a very old confidence trick, the family emergency call, and given it a voice you love.

The defenses are simple and worth setting up before you need them. Agree on a family code word, something no stranger could guess, and ask for it if a call ever feels wrong. Hang up and call the person back on the number you already have for them; if you cannot reach them, call someone else in the family before you do anything else.

Above all, treat urgency itself as the warning sign. These calls are built to keep you from stopping to think, and they almost always come with a demand for secrecy and an unusual payment method such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Real emergencies survive a 5-minute pause. Scams rarely do.

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Why Leftovers Taste Better

There is a reason the Friday after Thanksgiving is some people’s favorite meal of the year. Certain dishes genuinely do improve overnight, and food scientists have a decent idea why.

Time lets flavors migrate. In a stew, a casserole, or a pan of stuffing, fat-soluble and water-soluble compounds keep moving through the dish long after the heat is off, spreading seasoning that was concentrated in one spot when it left the oven. Starches keep absorbing liquid, thickening sauces, and softening edges. Sharp notes from onion and garlic mellow as their volatile compounds break down.

It works best on slow-cooked, saucy, well-seasoned foods. It does not work on everything. Fried foods lose their crisp, greens go dull, and anything that depends on contrast in texture tends to give it up in the refrigerator.

The safety rules are worth repeating. Get leftovers into the refrigerator within two hours of serving, store them in shallow containers so they cool quickly, and use them within three to four days. Reheat to 165 degrees.

Then enjoy the second dinner. It may be the better one.

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October 2026 Trivia Answers

Question:  What is the only country in the world that has a flag with a design that is not rectangular or square? 

Answer: Nepal      

Winner: Brenda Griggs. In her reply Brenda added, “They have one that looks like a football pennant.” Yep!!! You’re right, Brenda…it sure does! LOL! 

Your name was randomly selected from all of the correct entries. You’ve won a $50 gift card to one of the following: Amazon.com, Target, Khol’s, Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Home Depot, Academy, Petsmart, Outback, Carrabba’s Italian, Texas Roadhouse, Cracker Barrel, Olive Garden, Domino’s Pizza, Papa John’s, Chili’s, Red Robin, Panera’s, OR IHOP.  IT’S YOUR CHOICE!

November 2026 Trivia Questions

Question: Which U.S. state grows the most cranberries? 

Everyone who contacts Elisa via email (Elisa@BrunerTeam.com) or phone (832-746-7911) with the correct answer by the 25th of this month will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card to one of the following: Amazon.com, Target, Khol’s, Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Home Depot, Academy, Petsmart, Outback, Carrabba’s Italian, Texas Roadhouse, Cracker Barrel, Olive Garden, Domino’s Pizza, Papa John’s, Chili’s, Red Robin, Panera’s, OR IHOP.  It’s your choice!

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Facebook Page

Dear Readers,

You are welcome to check out my business Facebook page where I post our latest listings as well as real estate tips, etc throughout the month. Just go to  ElisaMcNinchRE. 

And as always, thank you for allowing me to be your real estate consultant for life. I love what I do because of clients like YOU! 

– Elisa McNinch, Realtor