Jacksonville, FL

So, the other day I had lunch at The Derby House, located on Park Street in 5 Points. Good stuff! I was longing for a BLT, and man--it was GOOD!

The great thing about the Derby is that you don't really mind going around the block for parking. And, when I asked who won the guitar they gave away last weekend the cook came out and told me all about the contast, winner, and such. Where else do you get that kind of experience? The next best part is that on the weekends they have live music. And it is good stuff!

After lunch, on the day of my husbands Christmas party, (yes, procrastination) I was going shopping for the *right* top. I went into a very nice store. The shop keeper was completely unfriendly and unhelpful. But, that's okay---I found great stuff along the way!

This is the same street as the 5 Points Theater, which is playing a new movie (whose name right now escapes me) tomorrow night. And this is the same area that I will enjoy Christmas in Avondale on Saturday! And surrounding all these cool shoppy type of areas are the most amazing homes--some needing new owners, some needing to be sold, and others decorated for Christmas!

And that is the best part of Riverside. Or Avondale. That in between the terrific real estate opportunities there is community--a place to hang your hat, know your local barista, enjoy the most amazing BLT, or catch a new movie! And it's more affordable than one would think.

After all, in this current market, a well priced offer is reasonable. Well priced being the key! Like the key for your new home (sorry, couldn't resist!). Or, like the skeleton key I saw the other day. Or maybe like the key to ----never mind, I lost my train of key thoughts!

The point: The Derby House, Christmas in Avondale, and just enjoying where we live and work! And that, my friends, future buyers, future sellers, is the point of being in real estate--enjoying where we live and work. And enjoying those we work with!

Ready, set, GO! Go to Upward Basketball that is! Much like last year at this time, when my young daughter was rehearsing for her Christmas play--I am at Upward basketball practice for the youngest of the clan.

He's been waiting for this FOREVER! Really, forever. Or, at least 3 years--- The way he was describing to me his very long and anxious wait makes me think about first time homebuyers. We see, we want, we need----we practice (think pre-approval), and then we are ready for the game! For the buyer the game is those L-O-N-G days to closing.

Remember? You sign the offer, cross your fingers, question whether your Realtor really knows what they're doing, cross your toes, and then wait for the seller to respond. And then once they do--and your offer, those golden pages, have a full set of signatures! Bliss--but wait. Did we pay too much, will the cost of closing break our bank. Does our Realtor really understand that you HAVE TO chat with them every day? And then the confusion--inspections? WDO? What is 'tax service' and why do I have to pay it? Really? Where are we closing? How many picture ID's? Why will it take at least 30-days? Escrow check? What?-----Where?----Who?----When?-----

Love it! (yes, that is me singing and dancing) Those so important questions give me a reason to explain all those cool-guy terms that I am so familiar with but that the general public is not. Let's me have a moment in the sun, while assisting another! Love it! Alot!

And the best part is the closing table. When the keys are theirs--as you hand them the keys, while reminding them to change the locks---and they realize that those hours spent online looking and searching for their home is done. That the goal is crossed. That I do know my 'stuff'. That I am their Realty Professional.

And all is right with the world! Nick just made a basket, and the look on his face tells me that all is right in his world as well! And you gotta love that----

Breakfast, or in this case lunch, at the Cool Moose Cafe is a complete treat!

Choose which door you will enter from, both are open--as is the open air tables on the sidewalk. Immediately you will notice that there is a sign: seat yourself, if your order is to go or patio please order from the counter, and when you are ready to leave pay at the counter. Their sign is better put, of course (this is my version) but says the same thing.

I like that you go to the counter to pay. And want to sit here with that for a moment. No pressure. No bill sitting, glaring at you on your tabletop. No server bugging you to get UP because they will make less if you do not. Easy, simple, and worthy of mention. Had I arrived earlier in the day I would have sat there ALL DAY! Good stuff, nice and relaxing--just what I would expect from the Riverside or Avondale area.

As I mentioned there is not a server bugging you. Seriously. I was cordially greeted by a very friendly server, she worked with me to find my 'kind' of coffee (love that) and then went to make it. Perfect, and eco-friendly in a cup without a lid and able to be recycled. Another server came by with a menu, and then took my order.

The order, I must divert here. I had asked what was better the nutty chicken salad, or the huervos rancheros? She told me that since they were only serving breakfast on Sunday that was an easy question--the huervos! No apology that the other was unavailable, with a great sense of humor, and without making me--the customer--feel less than wonderful.

Back to the servers. They have a HUGE tip tub by the register. So, bottom line is that when you are ready, they are ready! No competition. No who will do what, etc. Just get it done, and do it right the first time. And that they did!

Cool Moose has an open kitchen. I could see the cook doing his thing. As the door swung open and shut I could see large tables (clean) in the back, and racks of spices and fresh treats. I am sure this made my food extra special--the huervos were wonderful. More like a burrito than what I am used to, which made this experience all the more marvelous! Good food, great environment, friendly service, excellent and affordable pricing, and come as you are atmosphere.

Needless to say I'll go back time and time again! Thank you Cool Moose! Another reason to buy a home and live in the Riverside or Avondale areas-----

It's been days and days since I've been on here! I have missed my blogging----

And as I reviewed what my week was like, well I just thought I would share. We left off on Sunday, so on Monday I called all the buyers who were interested in a home I have listed in Avondale. All many of them, and after that I was exhausted! Then to look at 5 homes in the Avondale area--know your inventory! And, finally hand out 10 business cards (really, every weekday). The business cards were slightly difficult and I finally just stopped off at our local mall and asked people if they COULD EVER BE interested in buying or selling a property. If they said yes, they got a card!

Good stuff. Repeat on Tuesday (called more buyers and sent a few emails). Repeat on Wednesday.

Thursday though--gosh, I really like to eat--and Thanksgiving is just the place to do it. Pam and Lorry put out the most amazing spread EVER! All the southern foods that I've never had (and perhaps that I have never had them until Florida makes them a Southern food). Sweet potato pie--should be illegal. Corn casserole--um, yum. And then the desserts!

And then Friday. I am not a Black Friday shopper, at all. I would rather sleep than shop, sleep is good. So, I hauled kids around, went to the office, to Avondale to hang out on a park bench! And dream about what my move up home will look like, someday! Skipped lunch. Found some GREAT HOMES that are just begging their owners to list with me! And found some really good homes that need new owners, and I need to find those folks too!

And headed back for home. Good stuff. The kind of stuff that is worth mentioning. I didn't save the world today. I didn't close a deal. I didn't even buy a single thing at a store. But I did explain to Nick, who is 5, why he may not get a 'flat screen' this year:-), and I did teach him how to add from the right to left, and I did encourage my husband to attempt to be an electrician. And, at the end of the day, I will go to sleep knowing that this week was great, perfect, terrific, and exactly what I made it to be!

And isn't that the point? We become independent contractors to be independent! And it is wonderful---so now the only question left is this: advertise on Facebook (again) or attempt a 'pay-per-click' on Google? We'll see!

Good night, and Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

Avondale is a part of Jacksonville Florida. For those familiar with Jacksonville (Jax) you may recall that Jax is the largest city by land mass. Crazy stuff! So, how to not get lost on the I295 and the 9A? No problem----sort of! I recommend finding a place that you will enjoy!

And today that was The Brick in Avondale!

The Brick is a restaurant on St. Johns Blvd. Just in case you do not know how to get to this main street, one could take the I295 to Hwy 17 (north or south--look toward Jacksonville and follow the tall buildings!), then turn east onto St. Johns. Follow it around---really! Then find a place to park----!

Okay, back to The Brick. Today it was me, Ben, and Nick. We had to pick up our Jaguar tickets, find out when Christmas in Avondale is, and eat. I chose The Brick because, well--okay. The food is good, the bathrooms are clean, and there was not a wait! At 10:30am the boys and I got a table right away. Our waiter took our order promptly, and then returned with our food.

Our food: Amazing and fresh Huevos Rancheros (my personal favorite). Nick ordered, ready for this, an order of bacon, yogurt and fresh fruit, AND a blueberry muffin. The muffin fed both boys. The yogurt, in Nicks words, was yummier than cake! And the fruit was plentiful, fresh, and varietal for the season. Unbelievably plentiful. As in huge plate of fruit with all kinds of variety!

Overall, a time well spent together! And, by the way, for those who like a) specialty shoes; b) have super wide feet like me; c) enjoy styles you will not find everywhere---seek out Thompsons Fine Shoes. Really--it's worth the time!

Have a great weekend--and we'll see you at the Jags game tomorrow (for Ben's birthday).