A True Expression of What It Means to
Be Over the Moon
Amber and Rob received news from their daughter, Morgan, and son-in-law, Anthony. "You are being promoted to grandparents!" (aka Coco and Obi-Won) Amber always loved the name Coco after the previous owner of their home signed Coco an angel she left for them, and Rob selected Obi-Wan because he's Rob. In fact, when Amber shared the news, Rob exclaimed, "Here's to our new Padawan!"

Morgan and Anthony are currently stationed in South Korea but will be visiting at the beginning of April. A family baby shower is planned including a gender reveal that will make Obi-Wan very happy.

The little one is due on August 23, three days after Coco's birthday. Join us in celebrating this beautiful addition to our family!
In honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday on March 2, here's one of Amber's favorite pictures of Morgan from her scrapbook of elementary school. Coco can't wait to read silly Dr. Seuss books to the little one and maybe even start scrapbooking again!
Featured Properties
718 DEVISADERO ST., MONTEREY

On the border of Monterey and Pacific Grove, this New Monterey move-in ready home includes a large corner lot for expansion or a fantastic yard.

  • 3 BR 1 BA - 1,112 sq ft
  • 6,250 sq ft lot
  • Close to restaurants and shopping
  • Priced to sell at $740,000.

Schedule your private tour before this home hits the market!
PACIFIC GROVE

The perfect balance of Victorian charm and farmhouse appeal located in one of Pacific Grove's favorite neighborhoods

  • 3 BR 2 BA - 1,692 sq ft
  • Near downtown Pacific Grove

Did You Know?
"The Ides of March" refers to the center of the month, or rather, March 15th. The phrase is most famously used in Shakespeare's tragedy Julius Caesar, in which a seer warns Caesar to "Beware the Ides of March," ultimately alluding to his assassination on March 15th. Funny enough, the location of Caesar's death is now a protected no-kill cat sanctuary in Rome.


The 9th Annual
Carmel Jewish Film Festival
by Monica Browning
From Hollywood to Bollywood~Award-Winning Movies, Speakers & Receptions featuring eight films from six countries, noted speakers, and panel discussions, will be held March 2-17, 2019. The  Carmel Jewish Film Festival ( CJFF) , sponsored by  Congregation Beth Israel , serves to reach all residents in an effort to promote understanding, respect, and cooperation through education using the medium of film. While informed by a uniquely Jewish sensibility, the films communicate themes and messages with universal appeal to a wide audience drawn from the Monterey Peninsula and beyond.

"The Carmel Jewish Film Festival has become a significant event in the community. Our films are from all over the world and convey universal themes that are relatable to both Jews and non-Jews,” says Susan Greenbaum, co-chair of the festival. “Through the medium of film, our filmgoers gather to learn, discuss, socialize, and build bridges on issues of our day. Our food and wine receptions and appearances from filmmakers, panelists, and entertainers enhance the festival experience. We are a small festival, but we focus on quality. It has been rewarding to see our attendance and support grow each year.”

NEW FEATURES FOR THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL INCLUDE:
  • Scholar-in-Residence program
  • New screen at Congregation Beth Israel
  • New event partners: Center for Spiritual Awakening; Center for the Blue Economy at Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey; and The Village Project, Inc.
  • New venue in Pacific Grove at the Center for Spiritual Awakening
  • Many exciting new programs and panels with filmmakers, film subjects, local scholars, politicians, and clergy
  • Partnership with Monterey Unified School District to make a film available to students
Festival screenings and events are held in a variety of locations, including the “home” location, Congregation Beth Israel in Carmel; Carmel High School Center for the Performing Arts; Center for Spiritual Awakening, Pacific Grove; and Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. 

Film information, dates, venues and times can be found on the  CJFF website . Tickets are available either through the website or by calling (800) 838-3006. 
Testimonial Corner
"Allison Chance was our choice of Realtor when it came time to purchase our first condo. That turned out to be a great decision. The process was exceptionally smooth, and I give much of the credit to Alison’s knowledge and work ethic. We needed guidance at times, and Alison did not steer us wrong. She responded quickly to our emails and calls. She worked diligently to resolve the few issues we had with our purchase. She is a very pleasant person who we enjoyed working with. Allison also introduced us to the Homes for Heroes program that benefited us substantially. My wife and I would readily recommend Alison’s Realtor services."
The Trinque Family
Regina and Jon Trinque, Allison Chance, and Jeff McMullen, lender with Kal-Financial.
5 Fun Facts About St. Patrick's Day
Courtesy of LiveScience.com

Every year on March 17, millions of people gussy themselves up in green attire, hold big parades and drink lots of beer, all in the name of an old Irish saint. But what's the history of this emerald-hued holiday, and why do we celebrate it with shamrocks and alcohol?

Who was St. Patrick?
St. Patrick was a Christian missionary, bishop and a patron saint of Ireland. He was born in Roman Britain to a wealthy family near the end of the fourth century. At age 16, he was captured by Irish raiders and brought to Ireland, where he spent six years in captivity, working as a shepherd. He became a devout Christian and, it's believed, began to dream of converting the Irish to  Christianity . He then escaped back to England. He wrote that a voice — God's — spoke to him in a dream telling him to leave Ireland.

After reaching England, Patrick described having a second dream in which an angel told him to go back to Ireland as a missionary. He started religious training to become a priest. He was later sent to Ireland on a mission to convert the Irish to Christianity and minister to Christians already there. Rather than replacing pagan Irish rituals, he incorporated them into his teachings. For instance, the Irish used to honor their gods with fire, so Patrick used bonfires to celebrate Easter. He died in A.D. 461 on March 17, which became  St. Patrick's Day .

Why green clothes?
Wearing green has become a staple of St. Patrick's Day, but the holiday was originally associated with the color blue. It's thought that the shift to green happened because of Ireland's nickname " The Emerald Isle ," the green in the Irish flag and the shamrock, or clover. Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn as early as the 17th century. During the Irish Rebellion of 1798, an uprising against British rule in Ireland, Irish soldiers wore full green uniforms on March 17 to make a political statement. Legend has it that wearing green makes a person invisible to leprechauns that will pinch someone if they see them.

In Ireland, some people still adhere to the tradition of Catholics wearing green and Protestants wearing orange, the colors that represent their respective religious sects on the Irish flag.

Where the shamrock came from
According to folklore,  St. Patrick  used the shamrock, the familiar three-leafed clover, to explain the Christian Holy Trinity. The word "shamrock" comes from the Irish word "seamróg," meaning "little clover." It is the symbol of Ireland, and wearing and displaying shamrocks has become a widespread practice on St. Patrick's Day.

Why so much beer?
Beer is one of the most widely consumed beverages on St. Patrick's Day. While the  Irish beer Guinness  remains a top St. Patty's Day choice, a disturbing trend is the consumption of green beer, dyed with food coloring. Some studies have linked food coloring to cancer (at least in lab animals) and headaches, though revelers would probably have to drink a lot more dye than the beers contain to cause health problems, according to nutrition expert Keri Glassman, founder and president of a nutrition practice based in New York City.

Parades and Celebrations
Celebrations of St. Patrick's Day would not be complete without parades, festivals and Céilithe, a social gathering that typically involves Gaelic folk music and dancing. Céilithe, also known as Céilidh, has its origins in Ireland and Scotland, but has spread with the Irish and Scottish diasporas.

Many cities hold parades in honor of the holiday. The New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade is the largest parade in the world. It was first held in 1762, 14 years before the Declaration of Independence, by a group of homesick Irish expats and soldiers who served with the British Army in the American colonies, according to the parade's website.
The world's shortest St. Patrick's Day parade is held in the Irish village of Dripsey. It lasts only 100 yards, spanning the distance between the village's two pubs.

And, a little bird told me it's John and Stephanie LaLonde's 19th wedding anniversary too!
Pick of the Month: by Natalie Harris Gibson

BookWorks
As more and more brick and mortar book stores close around the county, we at Over the Moon Realty are glad to introduce you to our neighbor on Lighthouse, BookWorks, a contemporary café and book store. Owned by local Nell Flattery Carlson, The BookWorks has been at its current location since 1979. The bookstore used to occupy the whole store with just a small coffee counter located in the back. Carlson’s mother, Margot Wells Tegtmeier, worked there in the 1980's and helped to start the coffee bar. Carlson worked as a clerk there after college in 1992. The store underwent a major remodel in 2006 after changing hands a few times in rapid succession. At that time, the Coffee Bar was moved to the front half of the store.

Carlson bought the business with her mother and sister, Jess Tegtmeier Shippert, as partners in 2013. “My mother and I were thinking of going into business together and realized the only thing we wanted to do was run BookWorks. We were considering asking the current owner if he wanted to sell, when we saw an ad for it in the newspaper. We brought my sister on board too.”

What sets BookWorks apart from other similar establishments is the community feel that it offers for its returning customers, or “regulars ” as they are called. It provide a warm and inviting place for people to spend time relaxing, whether it be meeting with friends for coffee, catching up on work, browsing the bookstore or finding that special gift. Their coffee is all organic and fair trade. They offer gluten free baked goods and other wholesome, healthy alternatives to traditional pastries (which they also purvey). In the bookstore, they specialize in special orders, best sellers and local interest titles along with a large selection of children's literature and gifts.

We are over the moon about BookWorks and can attest to its charm and hometown atmosphere. Located at 667 Lighthouse, we hope you can stop by, enjoy a latte and read a book soon!  
Photo of the Month
by Emma King









" Live in the sunshine,
swim the sea,
drink the wild air.
St. Patty’s Day Guiness, Jameson, & Bailey's Cupcakes

by Shannon Curran Hanley
Recipe from: www.browneyedbaker.com

A classic cocktail shot transformed into cupcakes – Guinness chocolate cake, Jameson whiskey ganache filling, and Bailey’s buttercream frosting.

While you can’t taste the beer in the cupcakes (it serves as a flavor enhancer for the chocolate), you can definitely taste the alcohol in the filling and the frosting. Everyone that I’ve ever made these for absolutely adores them and can’t get over how fantastic they taste. Whether you’re throwing a St. Patrick’s Day party, or just need an excuse for some really amazingly delicious boozy cupcakes, look no further! These are guaranteed to be a hit wherever you take them.

DIRECTIONS:
  1. Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two standard muffin tins with liners.
  2. Place the Guinness and butter in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer. Add the cocoa powder and whisk until the mixture is smooth. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
  4. Beat the eggs and sour cream until combined. Add the Guinness-chocolate mixture to the egg mixture and beat to combine. Add the flour mixture and beat until it starts to come together then fold the batter until completely combined. Divide the batter among the cupcake liners. Bake about 17 minutes. Remove the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
  5. Whiskey Ganache Filling: Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Place the heavy cream in a small saucepan and bring to simmer. Immediately pour it over the chocolate and let it sit for two minutes. Stir the mixture until smooth. Add butter and whiskey and stir until combined. Let the ganache cool until thick but still soft enough to be piped, about 30 minutes. Cut the centers out of the cooled cupcakes, going about two-thirds of the way down, divide the prepared ganache between the centers of the cupcakes.
  6. Baileys Frosting: Whip the butter for 5 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally. Gradually add powdered sugar. Add the Baileys and whip until it is light and fluffy.

INGREDIENTS:
FOR THE GUINESS CUPCAKES:
-    1 cup Guinness stout
-    1 cup unsalted butter, at room temp.
-    ¾cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
-    2 cups all-purpose flour
-    2 cups granulated sugar
-    1½teaspoons baking soda
-     ¾teaspoon salt
-    2 eggs
-    ⅔ cup sour cream
FOR THE WHISKEY GANACHE FILLING:
-    8 oz bittersweet chocolate,finely chopped
-    ⅔ cup heavy cream
-    2 tablespoons butter(at room temp.)
-    2 teaspoons Irish whiskey

FOR THE BAILEY'S FROSTING:
-    2 cups unsalted butter, at room temp.
-    5 cups powdered sugar
-    6 tablespoons Bailey's Irish Cream
Market Matters:
Courtesy of Gary Gottlieb, Sales Manager, NMLSR ID 455512

Fed Chairman Powell's prepared statement to the Senate Banking committee this morning reads: Fed will be patient on interest rate hikes. Slower global growth seen. Headline inflation to edge lower and remains close to the Fed's goals. Economic growth somewhat slower this year (2019). He says Brexit, trade issues creating uncertainty. Powell says rates closer to normal for a healthy economy. He also says going forward monetary policy will be data dependent. (Not emotional or headline driven?) 

Delayed December Housing Starts fell 11.2% from November to an annual rate of 1.078 million units versus the 1.254 million expected. It was the slowest pace since September 2016. Building Permits were essentially unchanged at 1.326 million versus the 1.290 million expected. The S&P Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index rose 4.2% from December 2017 to December 2018 from the 4.6% registered in November. 

Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan said last week, "Falling - or at least not rising - interest rates, strong employment, continued wage growth, and a deceleration in home price appreciation should support more favorable home-buying conditions heading into the spring, along with improved affordability." Technically, the Bond is trapped in a sideways pattern as it trades between support one (S1) at the 25-day Moving Average ($102.01) and stiff resistance at $102.19.
 
At today’s closing, Mortgage Bonds remained mostly flat with the dovish testimony from Fed Chair Powell that left both Stocks and Mortgage Bond prices near unchanged. The Fannie Mae 30-yr 4% MBS coupon closed at 102.16, up 9bps and has been seeing modest gains one day only to give them back the next (which has been occurring for the past three weeks). Stocks closed slightly lower based on today’s mixed economic data and Powell’s testimony. The Dow closed at 26,057.98 down 33.97 points, the S&P settled at 2,793.90 down 2.21 points while the NASDAQ closed at 7,549.29 down 5.16 points. WTI oil settled at $55.60/barrel, near unchanged. The 10-yr yield edged lower to 2.64%. Pending Home Sales will be released soon.
Full Moon Watch: Mark Your Calendars
March: Worm Moon

As temperatures warm, earthworm casts begin to appear and birds begin finding food. It's also known as Sap Moon, Crow Moon and Lenten Moon.

When? March 21


Photo of February's Snow Moon Courtesy of Michael Goldberg
Over the Moon always appreciates your photos of the moon. Please email them to us or share on Facebook.
It's a Date - Local March Events
JAZZ BASH BY THE BAY
Dates: March 1-3
Location: Downtown Monterey
A wall-to-wall weekend of vintage jazz and swing, is celebrating its 39th anniversary at the  Monterey Conference Center  and  Portola Hotel & Spa . The festival brings together the many colorful forms of the roots of early jazz: Dixieland, traditional jazz, swing, gypsy jazz, ragtime, blues and zydeco.

CARMEL JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
Dates: March 2-17
From Hollywood to Bollywood~ Award-Winning Movies, Speakers & Receptions featuring eight films from six countries, noted speakers, and panel discussions. Film information, dates, venues and times can be found on the CJFF website ( www.carmeljff.org ). Tickets are available either through the website or by calling (800) 838-3006.

SUNSET PRESENTS: BECOMING KAREEM - AN EVENING WITH KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR
Date: March 9
Location: Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea,
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA's all-time leading scorer, a six-time NBA champion and the league's only six-time MVP. He has a national platform as a regular contributing columnist for newspapers and magazines around the world such as The Washington Post, Time Magazine and The Hollywood Reporter where he shares his thoughts on some of the most socially relevant and politically controversial topics facing our nation today. After 50 years as an athlete, activist, and a New York Times best-selling author, he will offer his unique perspectives on the Sunset Center stage.
Tickets: Level I $99 / Level II $79 / Level III $59 / VIP Meet & Greet: $250

RELAIS & CHATEAUX G OURMET FEST
MARCH 14 - 17, 2019
 is a four day foodie extravaganza featuring an exclusive roster of Relais & Châteaux Chefs and wine estates based at  L'Auberge Carmel  and   La Playa  in  Carmel-by-the-Sea .
March 17 Saint Patrick’s Day in Monterey County:

THE CLUB ROOM AT PORTOLA HOTEL & SPA
Kick off your St. Patrick's Day festivities a few days early. On Thursday, March 14th they offer a special  Celtic Irish Whiskey five-course dinner   complete with classic corn beef and cabbage as well as whiskey tastings with each course. 6pm-9pm. 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey.  $95
 
MONARCH PUB
On March 17, enjoy a Celtic band at 11am, followed by a bagpiper, and the Celtic band again later in the evening. Corn Beef and Cabbage served. Pacific Grove.

PETER B'S BREWPUB
Get your fix of  all things Irish  at local watering hole. Today they bring out specials like their corned beef and cabbage and crazy deals on beer and bites! The Dave Holodiloff Celtic Group also provides background Irish tunes. 6:30pm-9:30pm. 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey. 
 
POPPY HILLS GOLF COURSE
Go green and spend the day at at a festive St. Patty's Day 9-hole Shotgun. The event also includes an Irish themed dinner and Happy Hour pricing on beer. 2pm-6pm. 3200 Lopez Rd, Pebble Beach.  $70 .

PACREP THEATRE PRESENTS WILLY WONKA JR.
Dates: March 22-April 14
Monte Verde between 8th and 9th, Carmel by the Sea.
Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka follows the enigmatic candy manufacturer as he allows five lucky golden ticket winners into his factory for a free tour. Generations of candy lovers will delight in this devilishly delicious adaptation, brought to life by PacRep's SoDAonStage company of young artists. Grab your golden ticket!

38th CALIFORNIA INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW
Dates: March 23 - 24
Location: Salinas Municipal Airport
Watch jaw-dropping aeronautical acrobatics from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, stunts from Jerry Conley and the Vampire Jet, demonstrations from the thrilling Robosaurus and more! There will also be military demos, military fly-bys and military/civilian aircraft displays. Gates open at 9am and show begins at 11am.
SPCA Featured Dog: Ace
Age:  3 years 1 month
Breed:  Plott Hound/Catahoula Leopard
Gender:  Male
Weight:  50 lbs 

Guess what? I would love to go home with you! Are you looking for a running companion? Look no further-I'm your dog! I have lots of energy and love playing with toys! Please call the SPCA at (831) 373-2631 to learn more.
POMDR Featured Dog: Leilani
Age:  5 years
Breed:  Small mixed breed
Estimated weight:  4 pounds
Gender:  Female
Leilani is the fourth born but she does not act like it. She acts like a leader and is very outgoing like her brother, Amoka, who she plays with the most. Leilani was born at the start of August and is ready to go home with an adopter. She is looking for an adopter with the time and patience to raise and train a puppy with lots of love and positive guidance. Puppy obedience class registration is required for adoption. Contact Peace of Mind Dog Rescue at 831-718-9122 or visit www.PeaceOfMindDogRescue.org.  
AFRP Featured Dog: Pixie
With elfin charm and a super sweet disposition, Pixie is a petite 3-month-old Chihuahua mix puppy that would love a permanent spot on your lap! She and her siblings were bottle-fed in foster care after being orphaned when their mother was killed by a car. Pixie is the ultimate puppy: happy, playful, affectionate and cute! She will most likely weigh about 10 pounds as an adult. She's looking for an adopter with the time to raise and train a puppy with lots of love and positive guidance. Due to her tiny size, adult adopter or family with older kids preferred. For more about meeting or adopting this special guy. To arrange a meeting, call AFRP at  831.333.0722 .
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