As I sit eating this donut and drinking this birch beer at the Donut Whole I can't help but wonder why food has to be healthy?  Of course I understand the importance of healthy eating, but what about enjoying what you eat. 

As a Realtor I spend a lot of time eating on the run which is most likely the absolute worst possible way to eat.  Much of what I eat isn't what I would consider healthy or flavorful for that matter.  When I do get a chance to sit down and eat something for the sake of enjoyment I have a tendency to be picky.  One thing I really love is a good soda and some donuts.  The Donut Whole happens to have both as well as a calm atmosphere to wind down a bit. 

Part of the eating experience should be the environment where it is eaten.  I try to make it a point to hit a place like this every now and then to keep things fresh.  It's a nice change of pace to alter the norm and hit a little coffee shop, or donut shop for that matter. 

Let's not forget about the variety of interesting people who frequent those sorts of places.  As different as they all are from one another and myself they all have one thing in common. They all like a good donut.

In an attempt to further develop my knowlege of the sacred American treat, the burger, I asked for some imput from followers on Twitter and Facebook.  I received a good number of responses.  I have yet to have the time to try all of them but I will list them anyway.

Leslie from Facebook says Sportsburger is at the top of her list.  I've driven by it on Hillside several times.  I really need to stop.  Starting at a buck you will be hard pressed to beat the price.

Several people mentioned TJ's in Delano, Red Robin, TGIFridays, and Shorty Smalls.  I've eaten at TJ's and liked it a lot.  A fine example of what a burger should be.  I will tell you I have never seen so many police and firemen in the same place at the same time.  That speaks pretty loudly.

Big Larry's in Valley Center had a mention as did the Gettaway in Garden Plain.  If you are ever in the area why not give them a try.

Bills and the Oasis both were mentioned once.  I didn't know of either, so I will have to try them as well.

As for me, I seem to be drawn to Toc's Coffee House.  Toc's has a couple of locations, one near Harry and George Washington Blvd. and one on East Harry behind Felipe's near Webb Road. They have pretty much the same menu as Jimmy's Diner but with out the icecream selection.  Great burgers, onion rings and fries.  If you are on a budget the burger basket is an inexpensive option.

If you have any others I missed, please comment and let me know.  One of the great things about Wichita are the burger options.  Let's face it, we must eat to survive.  Why not enjoy it a bit.  I won't tell your Doctor if you don't tell mine.

Thanks to Leslie on Facebook and the following on Twitter:

@atomicn3rd, @ksfishgirl, @lauren_75, @LampySue, @AEveland25 and @iRyans

Over the years I have been associated with people (my mother included) that seem to have a bit of an obsession with the small woodland creatures known as garden gnomes.  In the case of my mother they remind her of her childhood or possibly some ties to the country her parents migrated from.  Others seem to use gnomes as a means to annoy neighbors that find them repulsive or distasteful.  In the case of my friend Claudette from college she found them to be happy creatures that she felt needed "liberated" from the enslavement of their owners.  I have always found people that love these small creatures to be fun, light-hearted individuals that have a sort of tongue-in-cheek sense of humor. 

I suggest to anyone thinking of adding a gnome to their family please check with their neighborhood association regarding restrictive covenants that might limit their rights to place gnomes in their yards.  No one wants to adopt a gnome and have it immediately taken away. 

On a humorous side note I suggest you check out http://www.freethegnomes.com to read about some people who are concerned about the enslavement of the little guys.  Very funny.  I in no way condone the liberation of gnomes from their owners, unless it is purchased.

Enjoy your gnomes.  Just make sure your neighbors enjoy them as much as you do.  Happy neighbors are good neighbors.

Congress has extended and expanded the homebuyer tax credit to include people who have owned and lived in their principal residence for at least 5 of the last 8 years consecutively.  They can get up to a $6500 tax credit.  The first time home buyer tax credit of up to $8000 has been extended for people who have not owned a principal residence for the last 3 years. 

Both tax credits will terminate April 30th, 2010.  The first time homebuyer credit is available to individuals making up to $75,000 per year or couples making up to $150,000 per year.  The credit is available to homeowners whos individual income is up to $125,000 per year or couples up to $225,000.

The current homeowners have a price cap on the purchased home of $800,000.

This will all go into effect when President Obama signs the bill which is expected to happen today.  This is great news for homeowners thinking of listing their property as there will be a large number of new buyers.  Buyers will benefit from an increased inventory of homes that would not be on the market otherwise.

If you have any questions please contact me.  I would be happy to find out the information for you.

Happy home hunting!