SeaSide Village

A Wonderful Reminder.....and ....have a Blessed Thanksgiving!!

2008-11-21T15:12:00.012-05:00

Someone just sent me this very good prayer and reminder. Can't get enough of these!

Great Spirit, help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change is a worried 19 year old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.

Remind us Spirit, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.

Great Spirit, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those that are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.

Amen to that!

Our Pinki WON!

2008-11-05T18:05:00.006-05:00

For the first time in modern history, a Republican has been elected to office in Franklin County!

OUR PINKI WAS ELECTED TO THE COUNTY COMMISSION last night, 63% to 37%, unseating a Democratic incumbent. A political newcomer, our PINKI ran a terrific campaign with her theme: "New Thinking, New Listening".

Needless to say, as her business partner here at SeaSide Village, and her good friend, I know what a great candidate she was, what an asset she will be to public service, what a generous heart and good soul she is. I'm ecstatic, even though she's a Republican!

Now the truth can be told. I'm a Democrat. Pinki is a Republican. We are great friends with different politics, yet with the same values and ideals, just like most of the rest of purple America where "some of our best friends are.....". When we created the SeaSide Village website and 'Judy's Blog', given how outspoken I can be, and opinionated (she is, too), the one pre-condition from Pinki was that there would be no politics discussed. In that I'm a political junkie and have a LOT to say, that was probably a very good call on her part. So throughout this entire campaign season I've bitten my tongue, at least about Presidential politics. Who knew then, certainly not either of us, that she was going to run for County Commissioner a year later?!

The truth is that locally, party designation has no meaning on local issues. It's just whether folks will take the time to understand what you stand for and whether they will vote for you if you are not in their party. When she decided to run we had a blast writing and designing her campaign materials, letters, strategy, media spots, etc. We decided that no matter what, we were going to have a lot of fun. Pinki is a very smart, strong, heartfelt person with great pride in everything she does, a woman of intense respect for others, personal dignity, integrity and compassion. Not being well-known and running against an incumbent Democrat in a strongly Democratic area was not going to be an easy task. What I saw was an extraordinarily hard working person going door to door, really listening to the concerns of the folks she met in her District, coming back with deep insights about what was needed locally to enhance the lives of others, and having that truly matter to her. If she could just run a 'smart' campaign she could have a chance. She worked so very hard, day in and day out, steadily, methodically, tirelessly, for months.

She told me what she learned along her journey while meeting a thousand people is that, "I love the people. They are warm and good. That's the great part. However, I'm not so sure just how much I like the 'politics' of it all......it's not always a nice business."

One of the photos here is her on her "Pinki-Mobile" at last weekend's Seafood Festival in Apalachicola, with Michael Leo's darling daughters, Maddie and Christina, and Pinki's dog, Sadie, about to ride through the parade.

While we heard amazing feedback about her chances, how well she was being received by people who met her, how many voters she met told her they'd already early-voted for her, there were no other guideposts for her to assess her chances of winning. It hadn't been done before. She worked tirelessly until the polls closed as if the last vote might make the difference. She told me quietly on election day "I just don't want to lose so badly that I embarrass myself." Knowing that to meet Pinki is to fall in like with her, we who know her knew that this was not a possibility. The issue was whether Democrats would cross over and vote for someone with (R) by their name in a local election. And they did ever!

63% of the vote is a very strong statement about the candidacy of this capable, creative, committed, honorable and compassionate newcomer to elected public service. I am so proud of my friend. We are all so grateful to many new friends who gave of themselves to support her. Her husband Dana, and son William, were out there at the polls holding her signs on Tuesday, as were many other friends and supporters including our SeaSide Village's Michael Leo and Gaye Lass, until polls were closing. A crowd gathered at her office and ate Mexican awaiting results, Pinki with the oddest expression of incredulousness on her face as results steadily showed her in the lead from the outset, from every segment of the District.

Congratulations, Ms. Pinki. It is always the bestest of life's experiences to work with you. The future looks like it will continue to be a whole lotta new, and fun, and productive! Her values are in tact. When asked what was the first thing she was doing the morning after being elected, she said "I'm going fishing...haven't been fishing in months." I haven't heard from her all day!

Judy

Pinups STRIP for a good cause (Do you actually need a reason?)

2008-10-31T14:54:00.014-04:00

Ok, by now you know this is the kind of stuff I have lots of fun with....and always with a little bawdiness from this middle-aged gal! The Girls of Franklin County have taken it all off in a charming, provocative and artful way, and you just gotta love it. It is for the best of causes, to raise funds and awareness for Breast Cancer screening by making certain that every woman in the county can afford to have screening and early detection at the new mammogram equipment at Weems Hospital in Apalachicola.

Some of these women who banded together for this fund-raising effort are breast cancer survivors themselves. THE FORGOTTEN COAST CLASSICS calendar for 2009, based on the British movie "THE CALENDAR GIRLS", was created where more than a dozen local broads agreed to be photographed "au naturel" for the cause.

This is so COOL! The funds they are raising through this calendar are being used for local education and awareness, to cover the costs of mammograms for underinsured patients and to provide transportation to Weems for those who don't drive or can't find a ride. No more excuses for going without early detection through mammograms!

The hospital has already sent two radiation technicians off for training and images can now be sent via telemedicine to be read, then, if possible growths, immediately referred to oncologists in either Panama City or Tallahassee.

The calendar photography is as professional as I've seen anywhere. Susan Bull, noted artist and photographer who lives back and forth in Cape San Blas and Atlanta, completed the series of gorgeous and flattering photographs as her contribution to the fundraiser. This is an enormous contribution of her high level talents.

"It was all collaborative," said Bull. "These are very interesting women who have valuable lives, a lot to offer, and unique personalities."

I agree, knowing several of the lovelies. These local "models" (a genteel alternative to my term "BROADS" because I be bawdy) look fantastic! And while not one of these gutsy ladies actually got "naked", I can honestly tell you that I would not have had the nerve to pose like this is my present incarnation of pulchritude, so applause to them all.

The Calendar Girls will be seen on a float in Saturday's Florida Seafood Festival in downtown Apalachicola, the same parade through town that will feature the "Pinki-mobile" as her race for County Commission finally comes to a close as does the longest election season I've ever experienced in my adult life please let there not be another political ad, commentary, email or talking head for another two years, and the SeaSide Village-mobile, all of which will be tossing beads to the teeming crowd.

The calendar is beautifully created and is worth every bit of the $20 that is a deductible donation through their 501C3 non-profit. Please send your $20 check, or additional contributions to: Franklin Needs, Inc. at 55 S. Bayshore Drive, Eastpoint, Fl 32328. Tell them Judy's Blog sent you.

COOPER at home!

2008-10-08T16:06:00.013-04:00

I've received so many emails and calls regarding my last blog on Scooter-now-Cooper, it is good know that these pearls of mine are actually being read!

The requests have been for more photos and news of Cooper in his new home. And I'm happy to oblige.

Aside from digging a 20" hole in the ground underneath the 10' back fence (!), getting out and going a mile down the road to the local school where he was found in the middle of the intersection crouched down in fear, from where he was rescued by the principal who saw his temporarily etched new phone number on his collar, he's doing wonderfully. Kiley brought home iron grates so there would be no more digging out.

Cooper slept only his second night inside on 6 year old Ava's floor where she got down there and slept with him. Why? Because as of his third night at the Olsons' he slept right up in the bed NEXT to Ava. Ava, who has never slept a night through without getting up and going in to sleep with her parents, has yet to leave her bedroom during the night since Cooper's arrival in her room. When she awakes she puts her arm out and he's right there, with his paw back on her.

He's now sniffed every part of the house, stays indoors playing with everyone and getting completely spoiled, The kids take turns walking him before school in the mornings. He spends the day in the yard with the garage door open with his day bed inside for him to nap. Then going to the dog park every night after work with the entire family for an hour of running with dozens of other of his local dog new buddies.

Monday they took him to one of the local "uber"-Vets to the rich and famous per Jane's (Julie's mom, Kiley's mother in law, the 3 kids' grandma and my best friend) recommendation to find out his health story by "only the best". The Vet thinks Cooper might be 5 because of the tarter on his teeth. The Crawfordville Vet who examined him when we first rescued him thought he was only 2. We don't really know and don't much care. He is amazingly healthy, energetic and happy. And so is the entire Olson family, particularly Daddy Kiley, I'm told, who has fallen head over heels with "The Coop-ster"!

Scooter Has Found a Perfect Home!

2008-09-30T18:09:00.011-04:00

This is one of the bestest blogs I get to write ...... EVER! Scooter (now named COOPER) has a brand new home.

On Sunday morning a week ago I got a call from the folks at CHAT, the wonderful "no-kill" rescue shelter in Wakulla County. On June 3rd we'd taken to them this hungry, bruised, dirty stray Walker Coon Hound we'd found on the street across from our Models. We had the vet give him his shots, clean him up, and learned he was just a puppy, around 2 or less. He was skinny, scared, abandoned or lost, and cowered as if he'd been abused. CHAT gave him the best care, a clean place to sleep, food, daily exercise, the best of care. But no one would adopt him in all this time. They are an amazing program that we should all support.

I'm told that in these parts of Florida this is a very common breed of dog, that they are hunting dogs and are often shot or abandoned when no longer needed, and are treated pretty roughly in general. We tried to have him adopted out, running ads, speaking with folks and hoping the shelter would have someone offer him a great home. I went to visit him at the shelter and he was just adorable, still cowering though. I would have adopted him myself but I travel back and forth so much from California that it wouldn't be fair to him since he needs a lot of exercise, and proper care.

So when I got this call from CHAT they said that he was not adoptable locally and that I needed to come get him or he would be euthanized. Ugghh, I don't think so! I asked for the week to make arrangements to take him out of there, and our SeaSide office, Michael and Gaye, swung into action. I am in California during this time, so we arranged to transport him out to San Francisco on Delta on Saturday! Yup! This adorable fellow was moving across the country for me to find him a good home here.

I sent an email out with his photo to a bunch of friends, posted an ad on Craig's List and got some interest, and lo and behold, my one of my best friend Jane's 4 children, Julie, and her husband Kiley and their 3 adorable kids, agest 3 through 9, were looking for a rescue dog since last Christmas, know the breed and LOVE hounds, and were very interested. So was Jane's other daughter, Heather.

We checked on all the travel rules, CHAT got all the veternarian papers ready, gave him a bath, Michael got the properly facilitated crate, and on Saturday morning he picked him up and took him to the Tallahassee airport cargo, and off Scooter went on his journey to a new home.

I met him at Delta's cargo office at 6pm on Saturday night. We put his crate in the back as I put him on a leash, tried to get him into the back seat when he resisted, wouldn't jump in, got loose from the loose leash collar and started running down the road! Ohmygosh! I've just gotten him and now he's gone, scared out of his mind. I'm yelling "HELP HELP" so the cargo guys will come out as I'm trying to catch this fast little critter, which was not going to happen. A very nice young man who had also just gotten his dog ran after him in his flip flops as I ran to get my car to chase them by car. I turned and the fellow said he'd caught him for me, and that he was now on the side of the cargo building peeing. The young man leashed him again for me, and helped me get him in the backseat. So much for the day's adventure, and my nerves!

He was a little groggy and scared. I tried to hand him treats which he wouldn't take from my hand. I left them one by one on the console and he did eat them. He also drank lots of water, and went hovered between sleeping and sitting up watching the world go by.

We got to Novato and Julie and Kiley's house. They gently took him inside and to the back yard that has a very high fence as the 3 kids gathered around to gently welcome him. We hung out getting him acclimated a bit, and I left.

He spent the night out in the woodchips by the playground set, in his own corner. It was 50 degrees out, but he ate and drank out there, but would not come into the house. The next day, Sunday, they still couldn't get him to cross the back door threshhold to come in, but he did nap with Ava (6) in the woodchips. Julie was smart enough to call CHAT and spoke to Scooter's main keeper there, who said what a mellow nature he has, how much he loves walks, how well he gets along with people and other dogs, and that he'd been sedated to take the flight, so give him time to get his legs again.

Later that afternoon I brought my dog, Sophia, over to visit Scooter (now renamed COOPER by Ava), and it was like a personality transformation. Cooper came alive, running all over the yard with Sophia, all new energy and excitement, becoming very available for petting, taking treats out of a hand, and allowing a lot more cuddling. ALRIGHT!

He still wouldn't follow Sophia into the kitchen past the threshhold as Ms. Sophia was exploring the kitchen. She's not shy when it comes to looking for food. While the smells were oh so good, Cooper always stopped right at the door, fearful of going past.

Kiley mentioned that he hadn't wanted to walk on a leash, just froze. So now as I was leaving Kiley put Cooper on the leash and we tried out to see if he would follow the whole crowd of us as we slowly, casually entered the house with Sophia and me. And he did! He passed the threshhold without hesitation on leash with Kiley, stopped in the living room by my side for some petting, and then continued on with us outside to the front lawn! Then Kiley and kids took Sophia (no leash) and Cooper on leash for a walk up the block, back down the block, then Julie walked him on leash, Sophia and I got in the car and Cooper spent the night in the house, exploring and sniffing all around, then wound up sleeping with Ava on the floor on a bed she made next to her bed. Isn't this exciting?!! He went indoors! (You have to be a dog lover to understand all the nuances.)

On Monday they took him on walks and to a dog park with dozens of dogs and he had a BLAST! He ran like the wind, played with lots of other dogs, sniffed lots of butt, came home and, eventually, went back in the house and spent the night ON AVA'S BED!

I believe we have a keeper here! We've all fallen in love with him and Sophia and I are going back to visit on a regular basis to watch him flourish with his new home full of love and appreciation for a sweet being. His life is forever changed, so blessed, so perfect as he gets and gives the love he obviously is karmacally deserving. We should all have this life! I am, also, a very happy puppy. As I said, this is one of my favorite blogs and stories to share.

Dance Like Nobody's Watching......

2008-09-27T17:09:00.043-04:00

One of my dearest friends and a business partner, Lewis Wallach, got married this summer to a fantastic woman, Cynthia, that he met last year. See these Boomers dancing at their wedding at the Bel Air Hotel (fancy shmancy) in Los Angeles, and another of Abe and me dancing following the consumption of far too much champagne, if there is such a thing.

All my life I've been offering (threatening) to sing "Sunrise, Sunset" from Fiddler on the Roof for everyone I knew who was ever getting married. (That's a lot of years in dog years!) No one has ever taken me up on it, I wonder why, until now....We may be talking 30 weddings or so along the way?

For some crazy reason Cynthia insisted I do so. She called my bluff. Those photos and video will not be displayed on this blog because...well, because I get to decide 'cause it's my blog!

I love these expressions:
Work like you don't need the money.
Love like you've never been hurt.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Live like its Paradise on Earth.
Check out this video link below. This is the way to get it done even if it isn't the way to spell "wedding".
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1030697/weding_party_dance/
Judy

A quaint Florida getaway....and my Grouper eyeballs.

2008-09-15T14:42:00.034-04:00

"The small Panhandle town of Carrabelle remains a quaint slice of Old Florida."

So says the St. Petersburg Times in a recent article about this charming hidden treasure.

On Friday, September 19th, the City of Carrabelle officially opens a new two-lane boat ramp at the end of Marine Street.

This is part of the ongoing Wharf project to increase public access to the Carrabelle Waterfront as the area is enhanced as a traveller's and boater's destination. The project includes a staging dock, a new state of the art fish cleaning station, parking and a storm water drainage feature. This new ramp is located just down Tallahassee Street about 3/4 mile from SeaSide Village. This is one of several free boat ramps that provide public access that surround the Carrabelle marina.

Speaking of which, it's all I can do to avoid stopping at THE FISHERMAN'S WIFE just past the corner of Tallahassee Street and Hwy 98. This big red food truck is where they are cooking up the most amazing FRESH fried grouper and shrimp ever! Before going right onto your plate, the seafood has been diverted that morning from the fisherman's boat before it goes to one of the major supply houses around the corner for shipping out of Carrabelle. You can either sit at the picnic bench outside or take it with you in your car or boat. We docked the boat briefly the other day and 5 of us got ourselves 4 meal baskets (for them), and 8 sides of grouper "to go", and they did all "go"! While it was my idea to get the side orders, I had to fight the boys for even my share of them. Since I'm on Atkins, I just had the grouper on its own. (What's a little bit of fried coating gonna do when you are out in the boat getting fresh sea air? It doesn't count.) They make some of the best seafood I've eaten anywhere, the freshest, sweetest grouper, and fantastic preparation in a very light frying batter. This is a charming, clean little treasure of a place. These folks previously ran a big local restaurant and decided the big red truck was much easier and manageable at this time of their lives. While the husband operates a local commercial fishing boat, the wife does the cooking from his catches. Hence the name, "The Fisherman's Wife". They are doing great business. If you drive by and didn't know it was there you could miss it, thinking, who eats fresh seaforod from a food truck? (Some of the best Mexican food in America is out of a big truck that sits on a street in a neighborhood in San Francisco.....written about all the time, so these hidden jewels are not to be overlooked.) My point being that I have trouble going past this corner location without stopping. I have grouper eyeballs lately. yummmmm.

Judy

Oyster Spat Festival - October 10-11-12

2008-09-12T14:58:00.003-04:00

I just love the Forgotten Coast lifestyle! There are so many fun and interesting things to do in the area. This is truly small-town living, celebrating the treasures of local life to the fullest, perhaps made just a little better with a brew in hand.

It is important to note that 90% of Florida's oysters come from our Franklin County Apalachicola Bay, harvested right here along the coast. In fact, most of the USA's oysters come from our Apalachicola Bay. We are oyster country.

The OYSTER will be honored again, as it is annually, this October on nearby St. George Island at a festival for the entire family to highlight the county's proud seafood industry and beautiful beaches. Franklin County includes the beaches of the Island and Carrabelle, Eastpoint where there are many oyster harvesters, and Apalachicola. Ours is an exceptionally beautiful and unique coastal area without high density condos, wall-to-wall people or traffic jams.

What is an "oyster Spat"? It is a baby oyster! An oyster may spawn as either a male or a female, depending upon the salt content and temperature of the water when eggs, which look like a milky cloud, are normally released on an ebbing tide. An oyster sheds an average of one million eggs upon which small fish feed. The fertilized egg floats 7-18 days before settling, if they survive at all from being eaten by predators. Regardless of its miniscule size, each larva has a tiny shell complete with muscle and a foot. Once its swimming stage is over, the larva extends its foot, settles on any solid object it can find, and cements itself into place. At this stage it is known as an "oyster Spat". Once they are anchored into place, the oyster Spats grow their shells. (Science lesson over.)

The Festival is one of our area's big annual fundraisers with proceeds going to support the St. George Island Lighthouse and other local non-profits. The Festival kicks off Friday evening the 10th at 7pm with Tropical-Rock entertainer, Gene Mitchell & Band across from local watering hole, Harry A's Restaurant & Bar. (I've spent a few too many hours at Harry A's myself! Love that place and their nachos....but that's another story for another day.) The Franklin County Seafood Worker's Association will be selling local seafood all night long. I can tell you, there is nothing as good as a fresh oyster right out of the water, skillfully shucked and into your mouth! A little hot sauce, lemon, whoa!

Saturday is a 5k run, a fishing tournament (we are big in these parts on fishing tournaments), a parade (I know Pinki will be in it again with her decorated golf cart), festival non-profit food booths, an Island Treasure Hunt with clues located around local businesses, more Trop-Rock outdoor entertainment and a kayak race. The Sauce Boss Band kicking off Saturday night's outdoor entertainment followed by Sunny Jim & Band.

Sunday is more Trop-Rock entertainment with entertainer Brent Burns, and more festival food booths and people milling around everywhere.

Our locals know how to have a good time! The Island is beautiful, like Martha's Vineyard. The waters are warm. The beaches are white, clean, uncluttered, endless. The oysters are outrageous. All of this just across the 3rd longest bridge in Florida to the Island from Highway 98 in Eastpoint, just 20 minutes from Carrabelle. Life is GOOD.

Judy

Michael's Girls

2008-09-06T16:37:00.006-04:00

What a beautiful family Michael Leo has! Before they recently moved up to our area from the Claremont/Orlando area in time for the start of the new school year, Michael's fantastic, geniune, salt-of-the-earth wife, Tracy, brought the Girls up several times to visit. They enjoyed the beach, the pools, the boating, the sites, and of course, spending time with "Aunt Judy".....better known to the young'ns as "The Judester".

I fell completely, totally in love with Maddie (8) and Christina (5). These Girls are definitely the results of good parenting, lots of love, strong family values. So affectionate, personable, wild-eyed, appreciative and unpredictably delicious.

So much more joy in my life as I get to watch these special blessings acclimate to a new school, new friends, and a new part of Florida, as they grow into young women. Fun fun fun!

Judy

Fay blew herself away!

2008-08-26T14:18:00.005-04:00

We had a lot of communications about "Fay", the storm, that blew through here last weekend. Lots of wind and water as it came through Carrabelle and Franklin County along Highway 98. Michael Leo went out and took photos of what our homes looked like right after the storm, and here they are. The grass is very green!

We are high and dry at SeaSide Village. While the Gulf Coast and marina are right down the street, we are built high enough that there is not going to be any flooding. We're also told that hurricanes and storms seem to miss Carrabelle because of our location in the "crook" of the eastern part of the Panhandle.

In fact, our roofs are virtually bolted down so they are not going anywhere. With the quality of our construction, it is my personal contention that if there is a hurricane, you'd want to hole up with all your neighbors in one of our SeaSide houses 'cause it's the safest place to be!

Now it is back to fishing. And today is primary election day. We're going to find out who Pinki will be facing in the general election for a seat on the County Commission.

Judy

John Spohrer - National Treasurer

2008-08-13T20:18:00.005-04:00

Here in Franklin County we are blessed with one of the most gifted nature photographers in the world, John Spohrer. His work is breathtaking and spiritual. John's wife, Prudential Broker Helen Spohrer, sends out a regular newsletter with lots of local news about the area. I'm always impressed with the visuals in the periodical. So I'm "lifting" some photos to share with you just a taste of John's amazing work.

Then there are all the links of information Helen sent out that have so much amazing information about Franklin County. I'm including them so you can see how amazing a place this is.

http://www.carrabelle.org/

http://www.mycarrabelle.com/

http://www.stgeorgelight.org/
http://www.crookedriverlighthouse.org/

http://www.apalachicolabay.org/

http://www.tourfranklincounty.org/

http://www.anaturalescape.com/

http://www.franklincountyflorida.com/

http://www.cityofapalachicola.com/

Judy

Healing

2008-08-05T18:36:00.002-04:00

"The secret of success is to realize that the crisis on our planet is much larger than just deciding what to do with your own life. And if the system under which we live, the structure of western civilization, begins to collapse because of our selfishness and greed, then it will make no difference whether you have $1 million dollars when the crash comes, or just $1.00. The only work that will ultimately bring any good to any of us is the work of contributing to the healing of the world." Marianne Williamson

"In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it."

Marianne Williamson

A “Gaye Lass” has joined our Team!

2008-07-21T20:28:00.014-04:00

Do you remember that old Irish song about a gay (merry) lass? Well, we happen to now have such a lass who has joined our SeaSide Team as our new Office-Community Manager. She’s gay (happy) and she’s a sweet Irish lass at that. It's true. Her name is Gaye Lass.

We found her on her boat in the Carrabelle marina. That’s right….living on her sailboat with her dog, Shadow. Gaye was living her dream of a unique semi-retired lifestyle from sales and marketing in the pharmaceutical industry during her many years living in Tallahassee. She’s still living her dream on her sailboat, but now no longer semi-retired. She’d planned to live this dream with her husband with whom she bought the boat back in 2000 and put it in the water here in Carrabelle. But that dream didn’t last so she up and decided to live it anyway on her own, and moved onto the sailboat in spring 2007.

Ok, more truth. We met Gaye through friends here in Carrabelle since she is very active in the community with many civic interests. Our first meeting was at the Friday happy hour women’s social gathering at Harry’s Bar in downtown Carrabelle. Michael (our Sales Manager) and I were invited after work to meet and join the crowd by one of our wonderful local liaison friends, TJ Sellers, At Your Service Concierge (another blog for another day), for a Friday afternoon “salon”. The men stay inside at the bar while the women gather on the patio ‘dishing’.

Ordinary folks who gather are the former Mayor, a former City Commissioner, the former City attorney (I guess the last election wasn’t very kind to them), local realtors, and many civic activists, with the men drifting in and out of the patio refilling glasses. This is an eclectic group of civically active and interesting people who are there more for the social interaction than for the alcohol….for the most part! Everyone brings a treat to share, an appetizer of sorts, typically homemade. Way too much every week.

I’m not much of a bar person but here in Carrabelle Friday happy hour is a local institution not to be missed, with laughs, great treats, and always sunshine.

After getting to know Gaye through working with her on a variety of our open houses and her weekend stints in our sales office, we talked her into coming to work with us full-time. She is a dear soul, somebody’s grandmother, and an inspiration.

Prior to relocating to Florida in 1996, Gaye spent a great deal of her life in quaint New England towns, always near the water, never far from a boat. From a full professional life in Tallahassee to living on her sailboat in the Carrabelle Marina…..what a huge lifestyle shift! She loves it!

She exemplifies some of the interesting stories of people from all over the world I meet regularly here in Carrabelle. There are all sorts of fascinating stories and backgrounds of people who’ve chosen a more laid back lifestyle after leaving the rat race. This feels like the Florida Keys back when I was a kid 20 years ago (ok, I exaggerate…it is more than 20 years since I was a kid….humor me). Carrabelle, and all of Franklin County, is island-like living, no traffic, yet with modern day accessibility, communications, technology and amenities.

Gaye is an outstanding resource for our visitors and new residents about all the fantastic things to do in Carrabelle and Franklin County. Getting very creative, this past spring she initiated a new local tradition, the “First Annual Kayak Race and Float Your Own ‘Homemade’ Boat Parade” on the Carrabelle River during the awesome River Front Festival. Next year I have a feeling there will be t-shirts.

Judy

Life just doesn't get better than this!

2008-07-15T20:47:00.009-04:00

Here's what's so great about Carrabelle and this entire Panhandle area. There is so much to do outdoors all year around.

What I've noticed in Carrabelle is how much time we all spend around the water, boating, swimming, fishing, drinking and talking about our fishing, planning our next water-related event, etc. This is a wonderfully laid back lifestyle that people only dream about.

When we moved to Miami from Maryland when I was 7 years old I first remember fishing off various piers with the entire family in the evenings before Miami was developed. We didn't have much money, and this was an enjoyable activity that was a luxury for us to do together. When I was in high school when economic times were better, we lived on a canal in Cape Coral and went fishing in our small boat we kept off our pier. Cape Coral had only 500 residents back then. We'd go over to Sanibel or Captiva Islands when there were no bridges. We'd go snook fishing in the Gulf off the inlets using live shrimp for bait. When I went off to college at UF and came home to visit we'd go to the completely pristine beaches in Naples, Florida and surf fish. These are some of my favorite family memories. These are the reasons to live in Florida......the simple recreational life.

These fishing experiences in these special locations were all part of an "Old Florida" lifestyle that is long past in South Florida. These places are all now hugely over developed. Traffic. Expensive. Inaccessible. There are few piers in South Florida for fishing, few simple little islands to pull your boat up to and cast a line to snook fish, and beaches with condo after condo. All have their beauty. But none are the simple life anymore, to be sure.

For that "Old Florida" lifestyle, with no state income tax, much more affordable living, near my family and many new and old friends, with that small-town feeling, Carrabelle and Franklin County is it for me! I can't get over the constant amazement of meeting people here from all walks of interesting lives, all parts of the world, so many stories, who appreciate the simplicity and easy access just around the corner. With Tallahassee and the sophistication of the State Capital and the University just up the road an hour, this is a part of my psyche that I've missed for a long time. Everyone invites me fishing or boating, or for a chat or a coffee...or a beer and some fried grouper. Nice!

There are wonderful things to be said about going to the latest movies on Friday evening, and to the best restaurants and hot spots and cultural or entertainment events at a moment's notice. I have that life when in San Rafael north of San Francisco in Northern California. And its an awesome lifestyle. There is accessible boating and fishing, lots of water everywhere. But the cost of living there is very expensive, with state income tax, the highest gasoline prices in the country, and housing costs out of sight. I'm not complaining....just comparing.

It's all a trade-off.

All of this to say that the photo above of some of the 'slackers' from the Kerigan Marketing Team illustrates what our crack creative team does for fun! These wonderful folks have designed and manage our website, logo, marketing materials and message.

This past Friday afternoon they headed out for an afternoon of fishing. They bagged their limit in Redfish under a St. Joseph’s Bay sunset, not far from their office. You can see they enjoyed “the work.” Sarah Gaskins, Sherry Brown, Catherine Noel, and Jack Kerigan know how to spend a typical Coastal summer afternoon. Elaine and George from the office missed the occasion.

I think this was the same day I got a cell phone business call from Pinki in the morning while she and her family were on the boat fishing over at Dog Island. Now that's living!

Judy

A Note from George & Connie

2008-07-15T14:03:00.001-04:00

Hey there Judy,

Love reading your blogs, but was so happy to read about Pinky's political aspirations! YOU GO GIRL! I was so impressed by you both and now I am "super" impressed. For Pinki to take on this new political adventure on top of the development of SeaSide Village is a tremendous task. We are in her corner and wish her great success.

Knowing that you all are so dedicated to the success of your project makes us so happy that we made the decision to purchase a home at SeaSide Village.

By the way, did you name the boat yet? If not, here are a few:
SEADOG, DOGGY PADDLE, DOG-E-PAD-L, SS BELLE (short for SeaSide's Belle). Let us know the name you pick!

Connie and George Wilkinson

PS - A happy hello to everyone at SeaSide Village offices.

Pinki for County Commissioner

2008-07-06T20:00:00.020-04:00

What a hoot! Pinki's new political campaign for County Commissioner is turning out to be a whole lot of fun for all of us!

A little background: From the outset of setting up 'Judy's Blog' on our website we agreed that we would not air our political views. Let's be honest. Pinki was more concerned about me airing MY political views! We always have wonderful, productive animated conversations between us privately. But since we are a non-denominational, non-political, open-minded new "green" community, it's our agreement that it is best not to mix business with politics or religion in the marketing of SeaSide Village. Fair enough. So I refrain....with bited tongue.

For some time now Pinki has discussed her interest in running for a Franklin County Commission seat in the November 2008 election based upon her concerns for our community. This intention has been close to her heart, although she had been sounding as if she might wait another 4 years. Clearly we've been busy building SeaSide Village. She's been busy with the design, build-out and furnishing of the models, and soon the construction of the infrastructure. She also owns and runs a Title Company. Her life is quite rich and full.

Yet she gets it all done on time AND goes fishing on a regular basis, travels to visit her son William pitching minor league baseball, spends time with her friends, and does it all with a sense of humor. She seems to manage her busy life very well.

Knowing her insightfulness, keen interest in public service and community well-being, and doing good things for people, along with her inate sense of fairness, I wasn't surprised when, at the last moments for filing, she decided her time was now to make a difference.

I've been in business a lotta lotta years, and must say: I can't think of a better person to be in business with, to trust for a fair assessment, to find a sensible solution.....to be a teammate with.

So we've all jumped in with her! We are having SO MUCH FUN preparing her campaign. Her husband Dana, sister Pamela and I are the "reply all" for the campaign ideas, materials, editings, all hours of the day and night. Jack Kerigan of Kerigan Marketing in Port St. Joe, who has worked with us for over a year on SeaSide, and his Ace designer, Catherine Noel, have been right there with us for the last minute preparations of materials in order for Pinki to get up to speed.

Pinki doesn't typically think she photographs well, doesn't like her hair, her blouse, her make-up, her smile....whenever we take SeaSide photos. But what is true is that her message of "New Thinking....New Listening" is perfect to reflect who she is.

She might not like that I'm posting this on my blog, not because it is political, but because it is about her. I'm just so proud of this creative, ethical, smart, energetic SeaSide partner following her heart to put herself out there for the greater good that I am compelled to write this blog for Pinki.

Pinki and crew were in the St. George Island 4th of July Parade in the "Pinki-Mobile" (golf cart), with Dana and dog Sadie driving in the front seat, and she and Pamela in the back, tossing Mardi Gras beads and candy. How much fun is she having!!?

Judy Miller - Campaign Worker

Name that Pontoon Boat!

2008-06-17T13:13:00.016-04:00

The Forgotten Coast and Carrabelle are known for their miles and miles of white sand beaches, Gulf Coast shoreline, fishing, boating, sunning.

Even though we were so busy getting ready for our Opening Weekend on the 31st, some of the crew decided to take Friday morning off and enjoy Captain Dave piloting our SeaSide pontoon boat. The boat is for our visiting guests but we thought...why not....we need a little fresh air, sunshine and just chillin' out. A cruise around the Bay, to Dog Island, up the Carrabelle River, a call ahead to The Fisherman's Wife restaurant car for some FRESSSSHHHHH Grouper or Shrimp Baskets for an early lunch to pick up off their boat ramp, a few ice teas (you weren't thinking beers, were you?)....ahh, life is good.

We even took Sister Nancy's dog 'Maggie". Pinki's dog 'Sadie' often comes as well. (The two of them were on the boat together on Sunday evening, in fact.)

We have to name our new boat. Here's the story on why I get to name the boat. There's always a story!

When we were first naming our development, Pinki owns a Title Company called "SeaSide Title" over in Eastpoint. She also owns another project called "SeaSide Cottages" in Eastpoint. So she said, "let's call this SeaSide Village". I really liked the word "Village" being a part of the name because it connotes 'community' which is what we are aiming for, but wasn't so certain about the name "SeaSide". She really really wanted us to name it "SeaSide Village".

Now, if you've met Pinki and met me, you would know that we are both very strong, opinionated, sense of humored and principled. We have become better friends and are great partners through this process of developing this community. And we are different in many ways as well. Pinki particularly cares about every detail being appropriate, top quality, well-spoken, a good impression made about whatever is presented. Me, while doing a great job is essential, I'm more off-the-wall, to say the least, about what comes out of me. If you've been reading any of my blogs you might get that!

We are also both negotiators. When she really really wanted us to name it 'SeaSide Village' I said "ok, since this is such a HUGE item, I'll agree to the name as you wish under one condition, that I get to name EVERY OTHER element of every other thing having to do with SeaSide. This includes the streets, the names of the Models, whatever it is of any nature whatsoever. Deal?" "Deal," she said.

She has been living in fear since that very moment no telling what I might do. I've teasingly threatened to name the roads: Judy Miller Street, Judy Miller Lane, Judy Miller Circle, Judy Miller Avenue, Judy Miller Way....you get the picture. Whenever we tell this story the look on her face says it all. That's enough for me, just the look....the streets are getting named by the County (thank Goodness).

So now when it comes to naming the new SeaSide Village 'vessel', as is customary to do, my tossing out possible names has drawn quite the looks from Pinki. It's true. I'm clearly not age appropriate, or any other kind of appropriate in making a selection. If you have some great ideas could you blog me and give your input? We look forward to naming 'her' very soon with something wonderfully fun, bright, warm and reflective. Help us, please....to Name That Pontoon Boat!

Captainette Judy

The Darling Wilkinsons...& Charlie

2008-06-15T19:30:00.006-04:00

We are proud to welcome George & Connie Wilkinson (and their new Chinese Crested puppy, Charlie) from North Carolina to SeaSide Village. They read about us, then drove 800 miles each way to visit.

To hear how they feel about their new home at SeaSide Village, click on this link and see for yourself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMh9XYgJZL0

Thank you for your kind words. We look forward to many wonderful years together discovering the treasures of the "Forgotten Coast".

Judy Miller and the whole SeaSide Team

Meet "Scooter" Our Doggie for Rescue!

2008-06-06T16:44:00.011-04:00

By now you know we are doggie lovers here at SeaSide Village.

So here's the saga.

The night of our VIP Open House on Thursday night the 29th, before our weekend's Grand Opening Celebration, really late as we were leaving the Sales Model (our new office) we noticed across the street this hungry, dirty, scared stray dog with ribs sticking out. Michael, our Sales Manager, fed him. He was skittish as if he had been abused, with no tag. The next morning I came in and he was nearby. We all took food out to him and he'd been attacked overnight by another dog and bitten on the ear.

Basically, we tried to have this county's Animal Rescue take him but they were full and not taking new dogs. We heard about a wonderful veterinary clinic, Wakulla County Animal Hospital in the next county 30 minutes away, and Diane, our Office Manager, took him there. We had him fully treated, shots, tests, etc. They were very reasonably priced. They said this dirty old looking dog was only 2 years old, and when adopted out, will be a neutered male in perfect health. We arranged to have him saved by placing him with CHAT, Citizens for Humane Animal Treatment, who are the most loving, generous of spirit folks. He's eating very well, and he is nursed back to wonderful health.

We would love to adopt him ourselves but cannot with our travel schedules. Diane has been going up there to walk him. Michael and I went up the other day and walked him. We took this picture. What a sweetie! Very gentle with children and other dogs. He's a Walker Hound and apparently had been used by a hunter who abandoned him. We have him up for adoption but not to a hunter.

Diane named him "Scooter". If you are interested in a truly blessed little fellow please let us know. We know he's going to find the perfect loving home with good people for him to live a wonderful life with. There are no accidents about who or what beings come across our paths. We will lovingly pay the $75 adoption fee for the right person(s) who adopt Scooter.

After we adopt out Scooter we've decided to "adopt" CHAT, so we'll then sponsor subsequent dogs to adopt out, bringing love to and from the perfect beings. There is nothing like the unconditional love of a rescued dog. We will also pay adoption fees for each of these new family friends.

Judy

Sister Nancy and our Wonderful Opening Weekend!

2008-06-03T10:12:00.015-04:00

This is Ms. Nancy, a real estate professional from Atlanta, my beloved Baby Sister. She came to Carrabelle to celebrate with us our Grand Opening and, as she always does, brought the fun with her.

First, check out this link and you'll see what I mean as Sister Nancy gets down with Jimmy Gillis, a most gifted and spirited performer, and one of our SeaSide staffers! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZZ4BudDtRU

While Ms. Nancy may not be our family's best singer, she IS the most enthusiastic!

The occasion: Our Grand Opening Weekend when our 4 models were opened, furnished and (as someone mentioned from reading an earlier blog about our previous Sales Trailer experience) the toilets all flush!

2 local Oyster Radio stations (country and pop) with Billy Denton, and 2 Tallahassee stations (Opus Broadcasting's boomers and oldies) with Hank Kestenbaum, were out here Saturday and Sunday for live remote broadcasts, and prizes. And Cuzzy's served yummy fried shrimp, wings and pork sandwiches with their delicious special sauces.

We sold some homes, made some great new friends, and surprised a lot of people with the amazing value and quality we deliver. Visiting friends from California who only came for the weekend because they know me and know that I've been working on this development for three years, said how pleasantly surprised they were that the homes are far more beautiful and well done than they had expected. They fell in love with the miles and miles of undeveloped beaches, the laid back lifestyle and the water. They, too, bought a home and now plan to vacation here regularly. Who knew?!

Sister Judy

RibbonCutting May 22nd

2008-05-25T18:52:00.009-04:00

It's finally here! We've cut the ribbon and are showing our 4 Model homes.

Very exciting for all of us. Lots of local officials and friends came by for box lunches from the Carrabelle Junction and to tour the Models for the very first time anyone's seen them finished. Here's a photo of Pinki and I cutting the ribbon, and basically cracking up with joy...and exhaustion!

Even with a temporary road and gravel driveways, with the landscaping in, the homes being furnished beautifully, us moving our Sales Office across the street from the Trailer to WaterSong, I have to say....they are SWEET! (And THESE toilets flush already, quite unlike the first weeks in the Sales Trailer back in January.)

We've been having "Preview Weekend" this Memorial Day weekend with a steady stream of visitors. Our Sales Manager, Michael, is giving up his boating plans on Monday due to all the interested folks stopping in from all over. It's fun to see their faces and hear their comments when they see what we've created. Makes us feel real good that we've done something worthwhile. With the crazy real estate market it confirms there is a niche for affordably-priced, quality homes near the water. It's a lifestyle we all want and even if we can't afford to live right on the water, we can at least have this dream of a wonderful place and the amenities.

Ages and interests run the gamut. A darling retired couple dropped in today from Tallahassee to purchase a weekend place in the Active Adult section. A local gal is moving out of a rental to raise her 2-year old their own home because it is affordably-priced.

After all the visioning, creating, designing, building, tweaking, we've got it all going. It's wonderfully reinforcing to hear the warm response to our personal efforts to do something special here. This re-energizes us for sure. So while I could use a vacation, just for Monday, I think I'll take the whole day off!

Judy

Dogs of the Family .... or Family Dogs

2008-05-14T22:15:00.009-04:00

To know me is to know my dogs. Same with Pinki. We're dog lovers and proud of it. Our "girls" go everywhere with each of us.

Thought I'd share photos. I've been called a photo maniac. Ok, I own it. That's what comes with aging I suppose.

Sadie....SeaSide Village's Official Mascot. She's Pinki's puppy that is beyond a cuddle bug. Pinki's husband, Dana, gave it to her last Fall for a "milestone" birthday present. Here's a photo with Dana and Sadie, and Sadie with the office crew "signing a contract".

Then a photo of my two rescue dogs, Sophia ("Goddess of Wisdom"), my 10 year old beagle-lab-fox hound mix, and Maggie, 3 year old miniature shepherd-kelpy mix. They are outside with Keith's son, Scott, lolling in the sun.

Judy

Riverfront Festival

2008-05-14T21:39:00.015-04:00

What a gloriously ideal day it was! The weather was amazing. We had a blast!!!

My left arm got my first sunburn of the season as it stuck outside of "the Judy Mobile" golf cart I rode up and down the street giving rides to folks who were too pooped. (That's my excuse for passing every food vendor dozens of times and giving in to temptation.)

Here are some photos, particularly of one of Carrabelle's most avid volunteers, Tamara, dressed as a mermaid for one of the parades in the Pavillion. Sights of the Festival, some of my friends, some outrageous behavior.

And the beat goes on.

Judy

Our 4 Models are now Under Construction

2008-03-15T16:54:00.007-04:00

We are so excited.

After 2 years planning and working so very hard, (ahhh, it looks so effortless) our 4 Models are now under construction. This has truly been a labor of love in creating home designs and opportunities that serve a broad range of lifestyle tastes, in a "green" way, and in such a special town as Carrabelle.

We're expecting our Grand Opening sometime in May on or before Memorial Day weekend. This will be a major celebration and I can't wait! Who doesn't love a party?!

Our pre-sales for the first few blocks have started. We'll begin building these homes starting in July on the Southeastern portion of the subdivision, south of Avenue I North and around Twelfth Street East. Some of this area is being added to our designation as "Active Adult" due to overwhelming demand by retirees and 2nd home buyers.

While the housing market is in a slump in many places in the country, and in parts of Florida for sure, our particular type of product, AFFORDABLE and GREEN, is proving very popular and in demand. Typically our "snow-bird" boomer and active adult buyers were not caught up in the types of mortgages that are causing such a tremendous problem with lenders. Many of these folks have lived their whole lives in the North or Midwest, paid off their houses, and now want to enjoy a certain quality of life with no traffic or crime. They want lots of choices for outdoor activities, sunshine most of the year, with an affordable, no financial pressure lifestyle. Where to find a quality built, uniquely designed home with these beautiful natural accessible amenities in a small town for an affordable price? We're it!

I often explain to folks who call or visit that, if they want to see first run movies the day they come out, Carrabelle is not where they want to live. This place is way too laid back for that. But if NetFlix and cable television will do, they want to know their neighbors, walk around town, go fishing in 10 minutes, then they've come to the right place.

Some of our buyers from Georgia and the Tallahassee area who are looking for a 2nd home in the "Forgotten Coast" prefer new construction. Yet they don't want to spend $500,000 in Carrabelle, or starting at $800,000 for a St. George Island home. With the white pristine sandy beaches, all the boating, fishing and seafood you can imagine, all nearby, we're just a few minutes away from all of that and at such an accessible price.

You can tell how proud we are of what we've created here. We're making wonderful new friends on this journey of creating a new community within the already wonderful community of Carrabelle.

We hope to see you here soon.

Judy Miller

How Fun Will This Be !

2008-03-08T23:23:00.012-05:00

The Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce sponsors its Annual Riverfront Art Festival Saturday & Sunday April 26th & 27th, and SeaSide Village has a booth. I LOVE Art Festivals. And this is one of the best of the year. 7,000 people come from all over the state, and country, to walk along the waterfront.

Regional musicians, bbq, seafood, arts & crafts, exhibits, seafood, local vendors of all sorts of wares. Did I mention seafood? Oysters, shrimp, grouper everywhere, all year 'round. Apalachicola oysters supply 90% of Florida's oysters, and most of the US' also.

The weather will be perfect, and we'll be getting very close to our Grand Opening for our 4 Models.

Here are some pictures from previous Riverfront Festivals.

Judy Miller

It's been TOO LONG!

2008-03-08T21:26:00.012-05:00

Where, oh where, has this Blog been? It's been so long since my last blog....all of February....no word to our visitors on what's been going on. It's not for lack of information....it's for lack of TIME! We are BUSY!!!

We completed the Final Design and Blueprints for our HarborLight Model, with 3 bedrooms/3 baths (2 bedrooms which are each Master Suites), and a 2-car garage. This concept was inspired by our trip to the National Association of Retirement Communities' annual meeting in November 2007. There they described the ideal home design living concept for many of us "Boomers". So we scrapped our previous ideas for this 4th and last of our Model homes, and ..... voila....our most unique floor plan is born!

We've broken ground on all 4 of our Models, and piled our Sales Trailer high with our new brochures, community site plan maps, floor plans, flyers, envelopes, mailers, stationery, coozies (a holder for that cold drink on a hot day).

We've been answering inquiries, phone calls, emails and visits from hundreds of interested buyers from all over the country who can't believe our affordable price points for a brand new home. Not bad with our having run just one ad in one publication!! We'll be in the AARP journal in April-May so it's a good thing we're geared up and ready to go.

We've been welcoming many new friends to see the property and have a cup of joe with us at the Sales Trailer (our home until the Models are built out by May). We've toured folks around our quaint Forgotten Coast area and broken bread with them at a variety of local haunts. We've had several visitors "Be Our Guest".

My "Judy-Mobile" is charged up and running. This 6-seater golf cart serves as my chariot to roll down Tallahassee Street (Hwy 67) to the Carrabelle Junction Cafe for a morning latte, or to take our visitors around to the back of the property to see the first blocks we're going to be building out homes on come mid-July.

Indulge me. Here's a picture of my close friend, Abe, and me at a family reunion in Vermont in August after we'd just come from a tour of the Ben & Jerry's factory.....and had the most awesome flavor, "Bananas on the Rum". (I had wanted to use a picture of me in this hat as my 'SeaSide Village Developer' photo, but Pinki didn't think it was suitable...so I get to put it here!) Great reason to have my own Blog!!

Judy Miller

We have Power!

2008-01-27T18:41:00.000-05:00

They showed up!

Progress Energy turned on our juice and the Sales Trailer is fully functional! It's a good thing, too. When Jayne went in Thursday morning and they'd just hooked up our electricity, the thermostat read "45 degrees"! Now the refrigerator can be plugged in without the circuit breakers popping. No more daily refilling our 5 gallon gas container to power the generator. No more camping out.

It's the little things that count.....

Judy

Can you say "FLUSH"?

2008-01-16T11:17:00.000-05:00

After 10 days, we finally have water in our Sales Trailer! Here's Keith Kruetzfeldt, our Project Manager, hanging our Sales Trailer banner 10 days ago. Thank you Carrabelle Junction coffee shop for letting us use your bathroom during this time. We got water this morning! WOO HOO!

Now all we need is power. Somehow the electric company keeps misplacing our order. Keith, and our contractor, Tony Fendrick, hooked up a generator so we can utilize the trailer, as long as we keep buying gasoline and keeping it fed. But when it got down into the 40's on Monday. .....BRRRRRR.

We are troupers, I must say. Yesterday we purchased a couple of floor heaters and that seems to be the answer, other than the breakers keep popping off if we turn too many things on at the same time! It's a delicate balance but we're making 'er work! We've got surge protectors, all kinds of gizmos, but at least our tootsies are warm for this rare cool spell. They promise electricity by Friday....uh huh.

And now our voice mail is hooked up, so we're even getting our messages. This is like camping. Getting ready to break ground on our models, our brochures are being printed, the phones and emails are very busy, and our website visits are growing beyond expectations, says our Marketing company. It appears our price points are getting a lot of attention, as well as the geographic area and the laid-back, small-town community environment. This is FUN!

Pinki says she's going to write a blog for us. Can't wait!

Judy Miller

Sonny's "FAT BOY'S" BBQ

2008-01-15T18:16:00.000-05:00

When I was a young lawyer in Gainesville, Florida back in he early 70's many of us went to lunch at Sonny's FAT BOY'S BBQ, the first of which was located in Gainesville. I'm gonna tell you, that was the best bbq I had ever eaten. Sonny Tillman ran that place, cooked those ribs, made the most amazing bbq beans and garlic bread... He had the real deal in waitresses there, the kind of folks that you would find at your neighbor's kitchen table serving you the best home cooked food ever, with attitude. These women worked on their feet back and forth to the kitchen, and believe me, these gals worked hard, on their feet for years on end.

We'd chow down like there was no tomorrow, going back to our offices needing a nap, the bill-able day being virtually lost as a result of our food comas. This could not be an everyday event, I assure you.

Then Sonny built another location in town, then a 3rd. Clearly we were not the only fans of this amazing food experience.

Afterwhile I moved to California, returning to Florida and the South on numerous occasions, for both business and pleasure. And Sonny's evolved, dropping the "FAT BOY'S" part of his name, and expanding into a chain across the Southeastern United States. I heard that Tom Petty of the Heartbreakers fame, a Gainesville native, would have Sonny's shipped out to California on regular occasions. For me, whenever then, or now, I get off a plane anywhere in the South, I immediately head to a Sonny's location for a "fix". If this sounds compulsive, it is. Perhaps it's more like looking for that comfort food that feels like home. Like mashed potatoes and peas, for some folks. For me, it's mashed potatoes and peas....and it's Sonny's.

If I go to a city in North Carolina, the yellow pages tell me the closest Sonny's. Atlanta, Melbourne, all over the South. And each one looks exactly the same, with the same menu. I understand an Orlando couple who my friend was the interior decorator for, bought the franchises from Sonny years back. Don't know if they still own it, but wish they'd open in California.

To illustrate my addiction, I went to the Pritikin Institute in N. Miami a few years back for a month of exercise and healthy eating, to work on losing weight. I was a perfect specimen of a participant, diligent, eating right, no-fat, shrubbery for days (salad), exercising vigorously every day. Mid-way through the month I had gone online and downloaded all Sonny's locations between N. Miami and Melbourne, where I was driving on my "release" date. I had the locations mapquested, color-coded for mileage from Pritikin, etc. The thought of going to Sonny's a "reasonable" 2 hours after I left N. Miami seemed rational enough time to wait. The anticipation of a meal at Sonny's was what got me through the last 2 weeks of the month. So by W. Palm Beach, I found my way and.....it was worth it.

What's so great about being here in Carrabelle is that there are 3 Sonny's locations in Tallahassee. They are just far enough away (an hour and 10 minutes) that I don't go there when here...instead I'm eating oysters, shrimp and grouper fresh from the Gulf non-stop. But when flying back here from California to the Tallahassee airport, it's immediately to Sonny's, like a spiritual experience. Whoever I'm travelling with, or meeting in Tallahassee, that's where we go. Whether in Boca Raton or Cape Coral, when invited to a fancy 5-star dinner as an option, and when asked where I'd like to go, I say "Sonny's". Cheap date or business dinner, for sure.

I am rarely disappointed. Sometimes the ribs or meat are a little dry, but not usually. Frankly, it's perfection. Not fancy. Definitely not expensively priced! It's truly affordable. I don't think the "all you can eat" dinners are more than $12.95, and may be a few dollars less most times. That is amazing!

A few times when I go West to Panama City, well, yes, there are a few Sonny's there, too. So I try and stay put in Franklin County where there is no Sonny's....thank Goodness. It's difficult enough trying to lose weight so I can get my hip replaced to have that temptation in my face, too! An hour and 10 minutes is just far, and close, enough.

Whenever I'm going to visit any of my friends in a town in the South, arriving either by car or by plane, I'll call on my cell to discuss where we might go for our first meal together, and if they know me at all, we'll each say in deep, gravely voices.......SONNY'S! We know!

I'm not saying it is the best bbq I've ever eaten, because it is not. The beans ARE the best, but in general, I've had better everything when you break down the components of their menu. It's great food, don't get me wrong, but not THE BEST. What is irreplaceable, however, is that feeling of history, home, friends and family, experiences shared, laughter and times spent at Sonny's, reliving my Gainesville happy days. Great meals with great friends is what it is all about.

If you've been to a Sonny's anywhere in the South, please share your experiences there, if you will.

And coming soon...informatoin on Linda's HOG WILD BAR-B-Q right here in Carrabelle! This is a major JEWEL! Great food. Great prices. Great owner, Ms. Linda. Pinki loves their Brunswick Stew. I love that they have a salad bar every lunch and dinner, and an "all you can eat" every lunch and dinner, also........are you surprised? More later.

Judy Miller

We're about to break ground!

2008-01-03T19:42:00.000-05:00

We've got our temporary Sales Trailer on the property and we're soon to break ground on our first 4 homes! Very exciting times for all of us.

Now that we've got 2 billboards on Highway 98 on either side of Tallahassee Street, which is the road leading to our property, more people have been driving by and viewing our Site Sign. Our Sales Trailer will be open next week. The phones have been ringing from some of our marketing. Our website visits are rapidly increasing....very exciting for us.

I'm sitting here watching the beginnings of the Iowa caucus results, having been glued to the political news for a month. No matter how you feel about your politics, I find presidential election periods exciting historical moments. I have ever since I was 9 years old and voluntarily selected my first non-school-related book, a 4 inch thick small-print paperback entitled "The History of the American Political System". I've been fascinated with the workings of government and politics ever since.

This is a time when we can celebrate the "process", the fact that we have the vote, the freedoms, the blessings of living in a land of opportunity. There's no place like it in the world.

That being said, I promised Pinki that if we did a blog on this website, I wouldn't talk politics...and I won't. This conversation is about blessings...and we are.

Judy Miller

State-of-the-Art Rehabilitation Center for Outpatients opening 12 minutes away from SeaSide Village

2007-12-17T18:27:00.000-05:00

We're very excited that a groundbreaking has just occurred on a new, 90-bed nursing home opening mid-2008 on 5 acres right next to the St. James Bay golf course. The Center includes a state-of-the-art rehab facility for outpatients .... conceptually a "Wellness Center". Management has excellent credentials for successful operations at similar facilities in the South.

The new rehab and nursing center is hiring 120 positions, dietary aides, kitchen help, laundry, housekeeping, maintenance, administrative and nursing, including CNAs, RNs and LPNs.

This is great news for the Active Adults looking to move to SeaSide Village who want to continue to work, whether part-time or full-time, and do so close to home. Pay ranges are from $8.50 to $27 per hour.

The "affordable luxury" of our limited number of 270 homes, with our outstanding amenities package, is perfect for these employees and their families. They can continue to enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of Carrabelle's no-traffic environment, with these folks carpooling to work. Hmmm ..... we may have to consider setting up a shuttle service to the Center!

Judy Miller

New Carrabelle Medical Clinic Funded!

2007-12-04T17:11:00.000-05:00

This is pretty exciting stuff!

"Just in case" the new 1 cent county-wide sales tax hadn't pass in November, Pinki and I were working to arrange a $2m medical facility for Carrabelle in alliance with a Tallahassee hospital.

But it DID pass, by 2 to 1! And now adds a projected $1.5m annually for a new medical clinic in Carrabelle, enhanced ambulance services, and expansion of Weems Memorial in Apalachicola.

This will put the new clinic within minutes of SeaSide Village.

As a 'boomer' planning to live at SeaSide Village, it's an important consideration to be close to "paddles", to be sure! And now I will!

Judy Miller

Welcome to Our Blog!

2007-11-16T15:52:00.000-05:00

As we unveil our amazing new Village, the Million Dollar lifestyle for under $200,000, near the Florida Coast, we will keep you updated. We are very excited to bring to you the best real estate value in Florida, energy efficient, "green" certified, stick-built single family homes.

A big "Hello".

Judy Miller