Thankful in Charlotte NC|A Christmas Message to All
December 22nd, 2007 Categories: About this Blog
On this my 50th Christmas, I’ve much to be thankful for. A lovely wife of 28 years, who became Dr. Judy McDonald this year, a culmination of 6 years work…
a son in an MBA program assisting with my marketing, my web “properties” and this blog,
a son who graduated from the Naval Academy and announced his engagement to a wonderful young woman,
a daughter excelling in college,
another daughter struggling and succeeding in high school, and getting admitted to the colleges of her choice… there is much to be thankful for personally.
Professionally? I’d like to say a personal note of thanks to my many customers who made this a great year, despite our numbers being off the record year of 2006 ~we were still ahead of 2005, so not so bad, just my relocation business fell off a bit as families around the country found it difficult to sell their homes.
About 4 months ago this blog was born. As I was writing this post, a close blogging friend compared starting her blog to giving birth… gave that new meaning to me! It has been consuming, yet rewarding 
I began it intermittently in the spring, and grew more dedicated by August. I moved it to its current name and format in early October. With the help of some great guys at The Real Estate Tomato, wonderful Cyndee Haydon who blogs at Clearwater Beach Real Estate and a bunch of blogging buddies, Janis Gagliardi, Sandi Bauman, Paula Henry, Mary DeLuca, Their help and encouragement has kept me going. As a result, I’ve found one of the things I am supposed to be doing in life- writing- and what I write about is perfect, I get to share life in Charlotte NC with families thinking about moving to Charlotte.
I have been a story teller for years. I ‘ve been thinking, debating,and considering Charlotte from all angles for years-likewise with this blog, thinking, debating, writing- I still remember coming here 14 years ago with a young family, all depending on me to have made a good decision bringing us here. Some were skeptical, that would be a kind way to put it. At times I was skeptical, but it has worked out. Thanks to all who helped in our move here so many years ago… and as I think back on our move, I remember those yet to come.
Thanks to my many virtual blogging friends, who are becoming real friends as we grow our blogs together.
Now back to one of the first Christmas stories I remember, told their way…
Have a Merry Christmas, I’ll see you in Charlotte
Search for Charlotte Real Estate?
| Currently 8 Comments » |
Getting back to blogging
August 2nd, 2007 Categories: About this Blog
Sorry its been so long since my last post… a family trip to Europe, a very busy real estate year, a move myself, and a son’s graduation here in Charlotte’s kept me away. But I return with new confidence and determination to write thoughtful posts here about the many great things happening here in Charlotte–or occasionally from… Greece perhaps? The Acropolis at night was breathtaking.
I’ll be introducing several new categories or threads here. I’ll be blogging on the important communities and developments in and around Charlotte. At last count we were the 9th largest new home market in the US and we have all the national builders here, plus some excellent regional ones as well. Over time we’ll look at the various developments, builders and communities with an eye towards helping you find a happy home for yourself. It’s corny and a cliche all in one, but happiness is what we are all looking for- and for most of us we find that in community with one another. (Uni-bomber and other terrorists excluded!)
I’ll also be blogging about fun things to do in the greater Charlotte area. Just today I went white water rafting at the U.S. National Whitewater Center here in Charlotte. You may have seen it on the Discovery Channel last week , but it’s a man made wonder, just 15 minutes from Uptown Charlotte. I got a 2 hour work out, got dunked in the 80 degree drinking water, and all in all had a great time with my family. What a great addition to the Charlotte area.
I’ll also be occasionally posting about local politics here. We need to invest in our future, we need more schools, more roads and transit, and we need more political courage to move this city forward. this fall we need to pass the school bond, and keep the transit tax. It may be time to petition the County and state for a road bond to complete some needed improvements. But we are growing at between 60-80,000 people per year. We’ve got to build more schools and roads, just to not fall further behind!
| Currently No Comments » |
Photo Galleries
September 12th, 2006 Categories: About this Blog
I’ve created these photo galleries to help relocating families see a little of Charlotte. They are in an easy to use format and show some of the area and some of the neighborhoods at the following links:
Our downtown, we call Uptown, more than 50 pics at http://charlottecommunities.smugmug.com/gallery/1849965/1/92765203
Close-in beautiful Myers Park: http://charlottecommunities.smugmug.com/gallery/1852715
Dilworth, arts and crafts style homes: http://charlottecommunities.smugmug.com/gallery/1850916
My hometown, suburban small town Matthews: http://charlottecommunities.smugmug.com/gallery/1851860
Other South Charlotte suburbs: http://charlottecommunities.smugmug.com/gallery/1859905/4/93391361
A few Parks and Gardens in the area: http://charlottecommunities.smugmug.com/gallery/1852917
You can see them individually or just move between them using the onscreen navigation Street Scenes. Check back frequently as we add more and more neighborhoods to our galleries. Have a question? Don’t hesitate to call 704-847-3826, I answer most of the time, and all questions are welcome! Hope you like them- and hope to see you in Charlotte!
| Currently No Comments » |
