In this day of blinking lights and animated Santas and such, perhaps we would all find a return to the 1800's a special experience to remember. Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation is one our nation's choices for the National Register of historical homes and is found only a few miles out of the city of Brunswick, GA. On Friday, 11/30/07 and Saturday, 12/1/07, Christmas on the Old Plantation will offer us a glimpse into Christmas as it was celebrated during the 1850's on a Southern rice plantation. If you care to read more on the plantation, click the link below:

http://gastateparks.org/info/hofwyl/

If you are in an area of the country experiencing cold, damp weather, allow me to lure you with today's local forecast, "Sunny and clear with highs up to 74º. There is no time like the present to come experience the Beachcomber Lifestyle for yourself. Give me a call if I can assist you!

I'm not certain how many of your may have visited Jekyll Island in Southeast GA in the past. The island is a state park with wonderful beaches, golf and bike paths and trails many of which wide enough for a car! The downside is the lodging choices are in need of upgrading to compete with other choices in the region. In years past, conventioneers chose Jekyll as a hot spot to visit, but the amenities have deteriorated and Jekyll does not draw that same trade today.

The demolition of a hotel landmark, the Buccaneer, was started this week. The Buccaneer was built in 1961 and had been doing business most recently as the Clarion Resort Buccaneer. Plans for Jekyll call for a $441 million redevelopment and renovation project which boasts sensitivity in maintaining the natural beauty of the area and attention to environmental issues. Many people have voiced their opposition to these changes and their fears that Georgia's Jewel will be ruined.

I, as an owner of a rental property on Jekyll look forward to Jekyll's revival!

My favorite dressing (and easy):

One 8 oz. Bag herb stuffing mix

One 8 oz. Bag cornbread stuffing mix

1 stick butter

1 cup each of chopped celery and onion

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can cream of celery soup

2 beaten eggs and also 2 chopped boiled eggs

2 cans Swanson's chicken broth

Sauté celery and onion in melted butter until softened. Mix broth and soups together in skillet with sautéed vegetables. Pour over stuffing mix in large bowl. Add in beaten eggs and chopped boiled eggs. Bake at 350° for 30-40 minutes in greased 13 x 9 x 2 baking dish. Serve with gravy.

Note: This flavorful dressing slices up well, but is never dry. I actually prefer 16 oz. of cornbread, personally.

Cranberry Salad:

1 can cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied-your choice)

3 Tbsp. Lemon juice

1 cup whipped cream

One 3 oz. Cream cheese, softened and whipped

¼ cup mayonnaise

½ cup sifted 4X sugar

1 cup chopped and toasted pecans

Add juice to cranberry sauce and crush together until well blended with fork and set aside. Combine whipped cream, cream cheese, mayo, 4X sugar till smooth and fold in chopped nuts.

Take small cups (the small drinking cups you may have seen for use in a dispenser in the bathroom) and divide the cranberry between 8 cups. Add the creamy mixture on top and then freeze. Unmold on lettuce leaf.

Note: The tangy, slightly sweet combination is very nice. Also being able to make well ahead is a good thing!

As our famous Georgia cook, Paula Deen, would say: "Best dishes from my kitchen to yours!"

I recently read an article in our local newspaper which noted that the Jekyll GA Sea Turtle Center was treating turtles which were suffering from exposure to the red tide off the coast of Florida. I had heard over the last few months people talking about this "Red Tide" and some of the beaches being closed to swimmers in Florida. You may care click the Wikipedia link below which describes the algal bloom that is known as red tide. The information leads me to believe that the jury is out on whether the occurrence is just a natural event or one caused by human activities. The turtles exposed to the toxins released by algae during red tide become practically paralyzed, making them incapable of finding food and exposing them to the surface for unhealthy periods of time.

The Sea Turtle Center has an interesting history as it was originally built in 1903 to house the generator for the Jekyll Island Club in the Millionaire's Village. Today the GA Sea Turtle Center is a wonderful turtle rehab hospital and research facility with the goal of increasing awareness and responsibility for protecting our ecosystem. I have included a link to their website and hope you will be interested in making this a part of your next visit to the Golden Isles of Georgia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_tide

http://www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org/

Mortgage Loans purveyors have experienced a good bit of negative press recently. However, in our area we have so many competent and responsible lenders to choose from. Just yesterday, I was speaking by telephone with an individual who asked about internet mortgage lenders. My personal opinion on that topic is that a buyer is better served by developing a relationship with a local mortgage banker with a name, a face and a local phone number to call in case of questions or issues. It's a bad day when you get to the closing table and the HUD statement has charges you were unaware of and you cannot get a quick answer by telephone to resolve your questions.

To obtain the best interest rate we all need to shop for a mortgage much like we do for a car. For that vehicle which we probably keep under 5 years and is usually under a $40K sticker price we all comparison shop models. Certainly a home purchase and the financing procedure should require just as much care!