My husband and I received an invitation to go to a nearby resort area for 3 days and 2 nights, and all we had to do for this “free” vacation was sit through a time share presentation.  We’ve had quite a stressful past few months, so we figured we’d go for it.  This was an area we have never visited before, so we were looking forward to a quiet couple of days.

So… we headed out Monday morning.  We accidentally took a wrong turn, and the trip took a little longer; we got there just in time to check in.  At the reservation center, we were given vouchers to check into our ocean front room, and a form to fill in with names of friends and neighbors as referrals to earn “points” for resort merchandise.  Yea, right!  I didn’t see that in my Dale Carnegie’s book on How to Win Friends and Influence People.

When we opened the door to our hotel room, I was hit with a yucky smell; not regular ocean musty, but something different.  My husband thought that it was because there was an ash tray in the room, but when we checked, ALL of the rooms had ash trays!  My husband smokes, so it’s not like I’m not used to cigarette smoke.  That wasn’t it.  Being the good sport I am, I bought some Oust odor remover, and hunkered down. 

We slept with the sliding door open to let the ocean sounds in, and we really had a good time, but I realized that I’m a location Diva!  I don’t care about hair, makeup, and clothes (OK, I do like shoes), but I do NOT want to be surrounded by outlet malls, amusement parks, multiple putt-putt golf courses, and unending seafood restaurants with traffic and red lights, just like Coney Island.  The whole area smelled, and not a good smell like the ocean breeze.  I never figured out what it was!

But I’m home now.  I’ve often said that living here is like being on vacation 365 days a year!  Yes, this is a resort area, but a scaled down, more adult version.  OK, I’m a diva.  I’m spoiled.  I’m used to living here and sometimes take it for granted; not often, but every now and then I need a quick kick in the pants to remind me.  Nope, I didn’t buy a timeshare, but I brought home something MUCH more valuable:  the renewed appreciation of the Golden Isles.  To the time share folks, I say “thanks” for the “free” trip, and “THANKS!” for the reminder of why I live here!

This seems to be the year for buyers who are making offers on property they have not seen.  Last month, I closed on a condo that a nice young couple from Ohio bought sight unseen (of course I had sent them many visual tours of the property and of the area).  I also wrote an offer for a couple in California on a house in Brunswick.  Not only had they not seen the house, they had never been to Brunswick! 

Apparently, this area is becoming very well known worldwide.  What is it about this area that is so appealing?  Well, to start, there's the beach.  Glynn County is the only county in the Golden Isles where you can drive to the beach.  Our neighboring county to the north and to the south both have lovely rivers and marshes, but if you want to see the ocean, you'll have to take a ferry or boat to one of the barrier islands.  Here, you can drive right to the beach on Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, or Sea Island (although the beaches on Sea Island are private.)

We have marshes, rivers, marinas, temperate climate, and we have jobs!  Our economy is not based just on tourism, although we are a very popular tourist destination.  We have many jobs in the food/hotel industries, and we have some of the best restaurants in Georgia.  Our tourist seasons are extending from winter (snow birds) to spring break to summer (beach time!) to fall football (GA/FL) right back to the snow birds again!

We are the home of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center that employs many federal workers as well as contract employees.  We have a large Georgia Pacific plant, a Hercules plant, and many smaller, but thriving businesses.  Gulf Stream retrofits planes here, and our many golf courses make it a very popular for retirees.

Like to fish, boat, golf, play tennis, or travel?  Everything is here.  No wonder I'm getting e-mails from all over the world requesting more information on the Golden Isles.  It's truly a wonderful place.  Come visit, and say "hi" when you're in the area.

Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers out there!  As a "mom" myself, I know the joys that come with the job.  (I also know all the other emotions, as well, but today, we'll just focus on the joy!)

But, if you think being a mother is a great experience (it is!), just wait until you're a grandmother!  Those trusting eyes look at you knowing that you have the keys to the candy shop!  My granddaughter is 2, and her verbal skills are excellent.  Just last week when we were in the car and I was trying to get a book from her, I noticed I had dropped some change in the console.  So, being the great negotiator that I am, I resorted to bribery!  Guess what; when I gave her a dollar in exchange for the book, she grinned and said "Two monies, Noni!".  Who's the great negotiator now?  But who could say no to that face???

So we made a deal.  I gave her "2 monies" and explained that one was for her little brother, Lance.  When she got home, she promplty took one dollar and gave it to him, but Daddy had to help due to Lance's limited, 2 months old motor skills.

So I've discovered that one of the greatest joys of being a mother is becoming a grandmother.  I'm not worried about offending my children who have not given me grandchildren, because those little munchinks have stolen their hearts, too! 

So to all the mothers out there, Happy Mother's Day.  There shoud be a Happy Children's Day, because without the children, we couldn't be mothers, and just think of all that we would have missed!  So to my children, I say "I hope this day is the best day of your life!" and to other mother's, I say "Enjoy this, YOUR day!"

When I've been doing statistics the past couple of months, one thing is clear: North Glynn and West Glynn are hot!  Check out these 2 listings in popular neighborhoods.

Timber Ridge is a great family neighborhood convenient to the interstate, mall, FLETC, etc.  This brick range 3/2 home would be a great family home.  Easy to show... just call us at 638-0697.  Listed at $185K.

Then we have this darling 2 bedroom home in Turtle Creek.  It's so cute!  New hardwood floors in the living room, new tile in the kitchen, and the stainless steel appliances stay.  It's rare to find such a quality home listed at just $115K.  Call 638-0697 today; you won't want to miss this house!

We're having an open house at Turtle Creek this Sunday, May 7, from 1 PM - 3PM.  Stop by and see us!  Both of these homes are easy to show, and we would love to show them to you!