What a beautiful sunset last night on Mobile Bay.  We were sitting on our dock on Hwy. 1, just minutes from downtown Fairhope.  Yes, we are experiencing a lot of rain but thank goodness the sky cleared and what a treat.

Our real estate market has been extremely active this summer.  The stats are now out.  Our Baldwin county is the fastest growing county in the state of Alabama.  Of course, I am prejudiced–I think it is one of the prettiest, rolling hills to sandy beaches and of course beautiful Mobile Bay.  Our cities have grown over 20% since 2010 but Fairhope still has a small town feel.

Tonight is Art Walk.  Hopefully the skies will clear so people can mix and mingle.

Have a great Friday!!!!

What a special day, yesterday was.  This wreath was hanging on Memorial Highway which is actually what locals call Main Street.  I had to share with you.  Please take time to stop and read if you are in our area.  It is very special commemorating all the soldiers that have served our country.  Without their dedication, we would not have this country as we love it.  Take a few minutes to say thank you for all the people who have served our country.

Last year I had the privilege of visiting Normandy.  It takes your breath away to see all the tomb stones labeled by city and state.  What these men did for us is incredible.

Have a great week.

What  a beautiful site.  Today we have experienced heavy rains and incredible winds but this view at the end of the day in Fairhope.  What a beautiful site to share with all.  Enjoy and have a great Friday.

Bye, bye April and hello May.  WELCOME to our beautiful sunsets.  Our  Fairhope streets are lined with seasonal plants.  Did you know Fairhope has their own nursery.  Flowers are changed regularly which adds beautiful color throughout the city.  Around 5:30 each morning the water truck comes and waters all the flower beds.  For the locals, if they can time the replanting, they can get some of the old plants and replenish their gardens.

Another tip, around the Fairhope Pier is a beautiful rose garden.  In its prime, the city will come a cut roses so that new growth can continue to prosper.   If you can hit the right day you can get a beautiful bouquet.

Go visit the Fairhope Pier which is open 24 hours a day.  At all times of the day, you will see people fishing and enjoying life.  At sunset, you will see plenty of people just sitting on park benches watching life going by.

Next Friday is Art Walk.  Come join the festivities.

So many times, our schedules get so full that we do not take to time to enjoy our children, grandchildren.  Recently I spent a long week-end in Park City, Utah with four of my eight grandkids and how special it was.  As you know I have a blended family, so being with two of my grown children plus a son in law and four of their children was just special.  We took hikes in the mountains, skied, snow-boarded and just loved being together.  Each night, my bed was full of two of my granddaughters–tight but special.  Each day is so special–take the time and enjoy.

Our little town opens to Arts and Crafts this Friday, March 17th – 19th.  Our streets are closed to all the vendors.  It is a great opportunity to see juried artist to the simple craft vendors.  Over 100 booths line our streets.  Whether you like to watch people or purchase goods or art, it is a delight to attend.  Take time to visit.  If you are walking the streets, stop in at Ashurst and Niemeyer office located on Section Street to receive brochures, balloons and a welcome smile.  Have a great week-end.

Yes, our little town of Fairhope is in the middle of Mardi Gras.  Let the Good Times Role, but how did Mardi Gras get it’s name.  Believe it or not Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday”.  The definition goes on to say that it refers to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three Kings Days and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday.  “Fat Tuesday” or Mardi Gras day reflects the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before you begin fasting of the Lenten season.  Bottom line, let the parades go, balls flow, and people toast before Ash Wednesday.  It is a great time to enjoy and be Merry.

What can I say, Mardi Gras is here.  Our little city streets  shine during this season with magical lights and magical floats.  February 18th was the Mystic Mutts of Revelry (even the dogs get in the action) in the afternoon and at night were The Knights of Ecor Rouge.  On February 24th, the Maids of Jubilee will parade at 6:45 pm.  On the 25th the Krewe of Mullet Mares will take stage on County Road 1 at 2 pm.  Then on the 27th the Order of Mystic Magnolias will be on the streets of Fairhope at 6:45.  Celebration will end on the 28th which is Mardi Gras Day.

Tonight, our sky was in glow with vivid colors of red, gold, and cream and a back ground of beautiful clouds.  I couldn’t resist getting a photo to share with you.  As I sat at the Fairhope Yacht Club Marina, watching the glory of the sky, a sailboat was pulling through the channel.  What a wonderful way to end a Monday.

I don’t know about you, but it is like a jigsaw.  One day we are in the 70’s and the next day we are in the 40’s.  Our flowers do not know whether it is winter, spring, or fall.  Our azaleas are in full bloom.  Who knows what it will be like when we finally reach Spring.  Japanese Maples are incredible now and extremely happy.  But wait, tonight our temperatures will be in the 30’s and tomorrow back in the 60’s.  The winter coat is still in my closet.  Welcome to Fairhope.  If you do not like the weather today, wait till tomorrow and it will be totally different.  The good news, the sun is shining and the stars are bright in the sky.