"Thought this newsworthy, the lease (12 years) for the Blue Parrot [restaurant] is for sale. The Parrot has been a very popular spot for over 25 years (same owner). The rent is ridiculously low. So very many people have told me they miss the Parrot and its non-East Hampton ambiance," writes John Taylor of The Corcoran Group. John tells us it is listed at $675,000. (The only guy broker we mention in this column!).

Property listed with Brown Harris Stevens of the Hamptons.

Nice Mother's Day news for these moms. Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk dedicated two homes to two moms and their children on Saturday, May 10, in time for Mother's Day, reported their publicist Pam Cordes.

"In honor of Mother's Day, two homes that were built as part of Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk's Women Build and Affordable Housing programs will be dedicated at 9 a.m. to two mothers and their children in Bellport. Women builders and volunteers who worked on the house will join Habitat officials for the dedication." The land for both homes was donated by Suffolk County and the Town of Brookhaven.

Both families who received the homes came from similar backgrounds of living in small, sub-standard housing for many years. "We are proud to give them the opportunity to raise their children in safe, affordable housing," said Les Scheinfeld, Associate Director of Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk. He explained that each homeowner contributes hundreds of sweat equity hours in building their own homes and other homes in the program and are required to pay a monthly mortgage.

The home was sponsored by Southampton and Manhattan's Aura Levitas, a retired Broadway dancer. We finally got the East End in here! Good for Levitas who, we are told, was instrumental in beginning the Women's Build program on Long Island. She was the first sponsor of a Women's Build house and this home is her third sponsorship, according to Habitat officials.

Property listed with Norma Reynolds Real Estate/Sotheby's International.

Broker Marcia Altman, out of Brown Harris Stevens, Westhampton Beach office, appeared on "Open House NYC" on Mother's Day. The show is on NBC Channel 4. Altman featured her $39 million Westhampton Breach property. Well, that property owner is getting a royal treatment from the seasoned west of the canal broker.

Realty Takes cannot talk about west of the canal without mentioning the veteran and knowledgeable broker Norma Reynolds, of Norma Reynolds Real Estate/Sotheby's International. Giving us a good hands-on read of that market, Norma writes, "I am still here and we do survive west of the canal. We just struggle through selling houses. If the weather would just stay warm and sunny it would give a helping hand. But in spite of it all - elections, stock market, and the real world problems - we are selling. The rental market is fast but not enough inventory. Our prices are not climbing, but seem to be balancing and holding. Those who want to sell - will. Those who just like the process of listing and showing with no flexibility - will not."

Norma goes on to say, "The golden age of real estate is passing and reality is setting into our area, which I think is not a bad thing. The brokers have to really work, follow their buyers and sellers like a dog with a bone - yes - more work and less bucks, but we've been there before haven't we? If you have good brokers then you are in. Sotheby's is doing gangbusters, gaining more offices throughout the world. It's amazing, quite a company, a real asset for us. One has to have a lock into these kinds of growing firms. It's the referral disease and Europe looking to invest in the Hamptons, yet another avenue to explore."

So much from the Westhampton native, the fisherman's daughter, who raised her kids alone, worked hard at whatever she did, managed, and became a legend. Thanks Norma for the overview. And hats off!

Lastly, from another mom (and now a young grandmother, as well) broker Barbara Weinman, a Hampton's success story who raised her kids alone, worked hard, was a receptionist at Harold Shepherd Realty, became top broker and office manager, sold the building when Harold retired and is now with Jan Robinson as a principal of Hampton Homes Diva at the Beach, a small, successful, highly personal service real estate firm.

Barbara writes: "Did you receive my invitation for our party on May 17 at the Laundry Restaurant? It's a cocktail party in celebration for a friend of Jan's that passed away but it is going to be a very upbeat party and lots of friends, business associates will be there from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m."

East End real estate can be a very nice business. We know it's strange. Who isn't? And in case you're wondering, I heard from all my kids and grandkids for Mother's Day, with the oldest grandchild, Matthew Rubenstein, graduating from William and Mary College over the past weekend.