What do Phoenix, AZ and McDonough, GA have in common?

Planting at Phoenix Airport - cycad surrounded by geraniums

 I didn't have a whole lot of time in Phoenix. I was there to attend the Certified Residential Specialist's annual convention, Sell-a-bration. Going to this event helps me stay up-to-date with what's going on in the real estate industry.

It didn't escape me that there were palms and cycads and bougainvillea everywhere, even some lantana. These are all plants that grow in Florida. With the exception of the cactus, these plants reminded of my time in Florida.



Welcome Center in McDonough, GA

 What I didn't expect was geraniums. Yes, just like McDonough, which has a geranium plant in the center of the city seal, they were in huge beds in lovely shades of pink. Interesting to see that a plant that does so well for us in McDonough, GA, in the summer, will also grow in Phoenix in the winter.

But that was not my only surprise. I sat at lunch with a lovely agent from Sedona, by the name of Beth Larsen. I asked her if Arizona had any industry an she said they grow cotton. Big shock for me! What about you?

Let me know what plants you see when you travel and I'll let you know if they grow in our area.

Trip to Dillard, GA

View from our "Fireside" suite at the Dillard House

What a nice trip we had for New Year's 2012.  I've never been to Dillard, GA.  This year,my step-daughter asked us to join her, and her husband and our grandkids at the Dillard House.

It's only about 130 miles from our house in Henry County.  We stopped at Tallulah Gorge to view the deepest gorge east of the Missippi.  Karl Wallanda walked over it in 1970. Although the water doesn't flow through the gorge, it is still a great view. (The water has been diverted for hydro-electric purposes. However, water is released in the spring and fall from Tallulah dam.  You can check with www.gastateparks.org/info/tallulah to see when water will be released

We had a great suite.  It included a living room with a fireplace, a microwave, refrigerator and sink, a bedroom and nice bath.  The grounds and views were beautiful.  The Dillard complex includes about 30 cottages about 2 miles away.  Each cottage is tucked into a wooded location and includes balconies and decks and a kitchen, living area and one or more bedrooms and baths.

The little towns leading to Dillard are chock full of antique shops an eateries.  The kids had a great time "panning" for precious stones and feeding the goats at a place called "Goats on the Roof". They were also eager to jump in and out of the hot tub in their cabin, naked as jay birds. Lots of fun.

We hope to come back in the fall.