Real Estate in Northeast Florida and Around the World

I'm sure you think I'm talking about the holidays, right?  Sure, Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanza are all upon us, but that is not what I referring to.  Oh, yes, the Florida citrus trees - oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes - are ripening on the vine as we speak and they are absolutely delicious this year.  But no - that's not what I'm referring to.....

It's time for the Gator Bowl!  And my two favorite college teams, West Virginia University Mountaineers and Florida State University Seminoles are the stars of the game!  Being a native of West Virginia, I have been a long time Mountaineer fan and follower, and fortunately for me, they have played at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville quite frequently in the last several years.  I also was blessed to watch these two great teams play not so long ago - again at the Gator Bowl.  But this game is a special one for all, as this is Coach Bobby Bowden's last game. 

The football will be great, the emotions high.  But to top off the event - watching the WVU Pride of West Virginia Marching Band and the FSU Marching Chiefs perform and compete against each other throughout the game.  Out of state family will be in town visiting, and this game will be a widely celebrated occasion on many levels.  Can you tell I'm excited?

The Gator Bowl is just one of many reasons why Northeast Florida is such a great place to live.  There's always something happening in our neighborhood - from college and professional athletic events, to professional golfing and tennis tournaments - not to mention the Gate River Run in March, the Kingfish Tournament in July - always something going on.

Hope I see you around this great neighborhood we call Northeast Florida!

Is it me or do people seem to be a bit merrier this year?  Last year, there was so much doom and gloom everywhere I went, I avoided going anywhere.  I stopped watching the news - except for the first 15 minutes of our local broadcast at 6 or 11, and the last 15 minutes of the morning local broadcast. My thinking is that what ever I need to know will be said in that time slot, and if they need to talk about it in another time slot - then it isn't so important.  I'm hearing from my friends and customers they are doing the same thing.  Too much "noise" out there.  I digress.....

So - this year, even the Salvation Army bellringers are happy. People greet me with smiles in the stores, my fellow Realtors are chipper and my neighbors are all waving and smiling.  I think the last couple of years has put perspective in everyone's life. Those that have jobs are really happy that they have them, those who have lost their jobs are thankful for the time they now have with their families and to do things which are enjoyable and less stressful.  I've asked many of my friends "what's going on", and I don't hear about their jobs, careers or new cars - I hear about their families and their hobbies.  I know that these are the things that keep a smile on my face, so perhaps others are finding the same remedy.

So, if you see me walking down the street, stop me and tell me "what's going on" with you.  I'd love to hear your great story!

See you around the neighborhood!