Glorious day on the coast

It was so very difficult to concentrate on the tasks at hand today because it was such a glorious day on the coast. The actual temperature was mid-60's but that wasn't much of a factor because the sun was shining on the blue-green water with such a brilliance that warmed everything near the water's edge.

I've just returned from a cruise to Cozamel out of the Port of Mobile, so I have a very recent memory of the beauty of a foreign beach. But returning to our sugar-white sands and beautiful bright skies reflected in the sparkling waters of the Gulf brought me back to the reality of my home.

I live inland about 7 miles and truly do not take advantage of the sights and sounds of the beach in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan Alabama or Perdido Key, Florida as often as I should. Most days I allow the desk work to consume me but not today.

In fact, after leaving the beach scene I drove to meet a friend for lunch at one of our wonderful Arnold Palmer designed golf courses, Cotton Creek at Craft Farms, and was completely swept away by how wonderful and pristene the course looked today. Needless to say it was even more difficult to leave the golf course and return to the office. But I did since I had commitments and projects. But as I exited the golf course restaurant I saw two other managers who chose not to even eat lunch but instead hit range balls until time to go back to the office. It was just one of those days - maybe it's spring fever.

As residents of this beautiful area we are so blessed. Even though the last few months have been stressful as we recover from Hurricane Ivan's unwelcome visit to our shores. As more and more properties, both condominiums and beach homes, are restored to premiere condition the excitement in the air grows. Soon our winter guests will return to their northern habitats and spring break families will arrive to enjoy the beach, the fresh seafood, the shopping, amusements, historic sites, festivals, golf, charter fishing, dolphin cruises and more.

It is so rewarding to work in an industry where our primary function makes people happy. Our property owners are happy when their property rents and thus produces income. Our vacationers are very happy because they receive such a great value for their vacation dollars. And let's face it - don't we all need a vacation at times. Our buyers and sellers are happy too because we accomplish their real estate goals. Property owners, whether they rent or not, can have true peace of mind because we are managing their investment with good stewardship.

But now it's time to travel north those few miles to my home and attend to the family needs feeling today was a good day on the coast and looking forward to many more.

Sarah