Wow, I have been so busy the past 5 weeks. I just haven't found much time to write. Of course this is the busy season for real estate in Naples, we have our snowbirds here and lots of visitors, some visiting our area for the first time. And yes, I have been busy with open houses, showing etc. Lots of interest and activity and it's been great.
But this year it seems as if I have been busier with my family and maybe that is because my senses and awareness is heighten this year. Since December 1st 2009 I have had 9 of my immediate family members have a birthday that I have celebrated with them. I am lucky and have all of my daughters (they followed us with their families soon after we moved to Naples) and grandkids living in here in Florida and most of them right here in Naples. I make every attempt to go to every event they have as well. As a grandparent I get great joy being a part of their life and it helps keep me up on what the new trends are for the younger crowd.
2010 has brought two milestones in my family. One, my granddaughter Lily had her 1st birthday (see the picture, isn't she cute?) and the other was my Mom's 75th birthday. It struck me at some point in the last few weeks that I would be 75 years old when my granddaughter has her 18th birthday...the age my mom is right now. There is so many things I want her and all my grandkids to know but Lily will really only know me as a older woman. I am hoping that she will be able to go thru my blogs and get a sense of how much I love her and all my grandkids. It will be interesting to see if people will write in journals with pen and paper or will we all be putting our thoughts on the internet for all to see! I'll let you know when I turn 75!!
My mom's birthday had a profound effect on me. She had family come and visit and celebrate with her from all over the country (see photo..she is pretty cute too). She has in the last 2 years visited almost every grandchild and great grandchild that she has....and they all love her. As I was driving from Naples up to Lakeland FL to celebrate with her, I thought of the fact that ALL of her grandchildren and great grandchildren adore her. For the last 20 years of my life I wanted my grandkids to love me like I loved my grandmother, I aspired to be like my Grannie Strong. As I was driving and tears streaming down my face, I realize for the 1st time that I wanted my grandkids to love me like my mother is loved. Now I aspire to be like my mom!!
So what does this all have to do with real estate? Nothing EXCEPT just remember when you buy a second home in Naples Florida you just may want to have an extra bedroom for the grandkids to stay. And if you love them and stay a part of their lives I guarantee that "they will come"!
