Spring always makes me want to do something big around the house! Lets clean out the closets, get rid of all our good junk that hasn’t see daylight in months and make room for the new!

When thinking about rehabbing any part of our homes, it is important to think about the possible cost vs. value when getting ready to sell. Especially in a slow market, people are staying put longer and considering doing a little renovation. Some of the project paybacks are listed in this great article in Realtor Magazine: 2008 Cost vs. Value Report.

When working with some of our corporate clients, we like to see what renovations people from other parts of the country have done to their homes. Kitchens and bathrooms are always in the top projects being completed. Especially if clients know they are going to relocate, renovations need to be considered to every detail. At Bob Parks Realty, we can provide a cost of living comparison to help get a clear picture of expenses across the country.

Posted By: Tammy Carroll

HVAC ductwork that leaks can waste more than 30% of household heating and cooling. One of the main reasons for this problem happens when it is being roughed in during construction. Contractors run the ductwork in attics and crawl spaces that are not adequately conditioned and not properly sealed thereby exposing them to outside temperatures. Duct tape is generally used to seal the ducts, however mastics are also being used and some think it is better. Water based mastics are now available and are “greener.” Now a mastic self sealing duct system is also available utilizing O-rings that are pre-installed in the ductwork. For more details visit www.mcgillairseal.com. To correct the problem, number one is to condition the space and seal the ducts properly thus saving time and money.

Posted by:Bob Cunningham

Sunday, May 3 marks the 55th Cosby Ramp Festival, which hails as Tennessee’s Oldest Festival. Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains (about 3.5 hours from Nashville) is the small town of Cosby, Tennessee (known among my husband’s college buddies as the place you went to buy “Moonshine”).

Cosby is a small town of approximately 7600 where springtime was traditionally heralded with the harvesting of wild leeks known as Ramps. Back in 1954, the first “Ramp Festival” was held to call attention to Cocke County, whose residents thought they had largely been overlooked by tourists to the “Great Smokey Mountain National Park”. The festival was planned as a “gimmick” to draw tourists, and drew a whopping 6000 in attendance its first year!

The Ramp, is a wild plant, which resembles a leek, and has a pungent odor of garlic and onion. Locals who after eating very little “greens” during the long hard winter, would prepare a feast when the green tops sprouted from the earth and the Ramps could be harvested. School children, it is told were actually sent home for a few days because of “ramp odor”.

“Ramp Odor” or not, this is a “not to be missed ” opportunity to enjoy a multitude of dishes prepared with ramps. Traditionally served raw or stewed, the ramp was know for its “spring tonic” medicinal effect “back in the day”. Interestingly, it does have the same cholesterol fighting benefits of its cousin, garlic, and is high in both Vitamins A and C.

The festival promises to be a “hum dinger” as we say, featuring two stages showcasing Bluegrass and Country music, Appalachian crafts, festival food and much more.For directions and more info visit their web site: www.cosbyrampfestival.org

If you make it, try to get a photo with the 2009 Ramp Maid.

Hope to see you there!

Posted By: Dawne Davis

April in Tennessee is about as good as it gets…warm days, cool nights and low humidity! Best of all, it is the unofficial kick-off month for local festivals. No matter how small, just about every town in Tennessee has something to be proud of! And, the fun-loving communities celebrate in a big way with a festival, like South Pittsburg’s National Cornbread Festival.

The 13th annual National Cornbread Festival will be held April 25-26 in South Pittsburg, TN (take I-24 toward Chattanooga - exit 152, you can’t miss it). This tiny little hamlet of 3,000 is nestled in the beautiful Sequatchie Valley and will host over 40,000 red blooded American “corn bread lovers” for what promises to be a great two days.

If you love cornbread, don’t miss the Cook Off (10 finalists from as far away as Utah!) or the Cornbread eating contest. Other fun activities will be Fireworks, a 5 K Run, Blue Grass Music, Quilt Display, Historic Tours, a Classic Car Cruise-In, and Pancake Breakfast.

And, no festival would be complete with out a Beauty Pageant (held Saturday April 18th at the high school if you want to enter) where the winner will be crowned “Miss National Cornbread Festival, 2009”.

Saturday 9-6, Sunday 9-5, $3.00 per person (infants free), and NO PETS!

www.nationalcornbread.com (check out the web site and listen to the official festival song!)

Hope to see you there!

Posted By: Dawne Davis

In recent months real estate firms & relocation departments have seen an increase in renters within the corporate relocation world. When moving to a destination city, corporate clients are considering renting until their current homes sell. Several Relocation Directors, including Ryan Carrell , Allison Harvey , Liz Nunan , Tammy Carroll , Anne Incorvia and Stephen Kotler comment on working and serving more renters in an article found here.

In the Nashville Tennessee real estate market, Bob Parks Realty Corporate Real Estate Services Department has served more renters in the last two years. Our rental services has expanded to help find rental properties around the region, both single family homes and apartments. In serving our clients it is important to education them on the real estate market in our area so when their lease is up they can make a wise investment and possibly purchase a home to fit their needs.

For more comments, Click Here to read the full article by Elizabeth Nunan.

Posted By: Tammy Carroll

I’ve just listed a lovely home in Hill Place that has such a great floor plan, It’s hard to imagine the family whose life-style it would not fit. Classic style, enduring quality, beauty and functionality come together here. There are four generous bedrooms each with a private bath, The Master suite is located on the first floor, but a second master is on the second floor. There is an amazing amount of storage from cabinetry in the mud room to the second floor office, even more cabinets in the domestic command center, built-in bookshelves in the Den which opens from the kitchen, as well as in the upstairs recreation room.

Hill Place, a gated community, is one of Nashville premier neighborhoods. From the graceful entrance of Hill Place though-out this beautifully planned development, it feels like coming home. Hill Place is located about fifteen minutes from down-town Nashville. It’s moments to shopping, Nashville’s best private schools and Warner Parks.

Posted By: Frances Garner

Who says living in a condominium has to be confining, missing in outdoor adventure? Not if you spend the morning watching a pair of doves building their nest in the rafters of your carport. Doves already! Is that some sort of sign of the peace and tranquility of this beautiful home? I think the current owners feeling is that it was entirely fitting.
River Plantation has been one of Nashville’s most successful condominium complexes for more than thirty years. No doubt the ample green space, trees and serene atmosphere of the complex is part of its success. Like many other owner’s in River Plantation, this is not the first home this seller has enjoyed. When she returned to Nashville several years ago, after several years away, she came home to River Plantation and bought this very well located condominium and as a designer, began to create the beautiful home it is today. Each of the three bedrooms is a special retreat. Heck, the entire place is just plain PRETTY! Did I mention there is even a place for the garden lover to create her own gardening creation.

Posted By: Frances Garner

Fourth in series of blogs about our family’s relocation from California to Tennessee.

So here we are—plugging away on our little farm in California, living life day by day. Enjoying our friends, family and neighbors and all that was familiar to us. Little did we know a catalyst of change was in store for us on this mid-summer day in August 2007.

Due to an untimely death in the family, I once again travel to Gallatin. Arrangements were made for the funeral, and I stayed with my sister for a few days after the service.

During my visit I drove through neighborhoods and perused real estate publications, almost as if researching the area for a nameless client. I admired the elegant charm of the brick homes and how back yards seem to blend together rather than separate neighbors with tall wooden fences – a common site in California. I soaked up the beauty of the rolling hills and Old Hickory Lake. I realize how close Gallatin is to Nashville and all that the Music City had to offer. And most importantly, I feel first hand the acts of kindness and hospitality customary to the region. Neighbors, friends, and church members bring us food during this very difficult time and rather than look to me as an outsider, make me feel as comfortable as possible in a very unfamiliar setting.

So after my short hiatus in Gallatin, I excitedly tell my husband all that I experienced during my Tennessee adventure and suggest we look towards Middle Tennessee when we decide to retire. He surprised me with….”OK. Let’s go and see what has you all worked up.”

Please keep in mind, my husband and I had spoken only in whispered tones about moving from Kerman someday, but never with a date in mind and never with a destination as far as Tennessee. If we did move it would mean relocating my parents as well and that was more than all of us wanted to take on. Plus we had our jobs – his in farming and mine in real estate - and we were comfortable. Moving would mean stepping out of that comfort zone. The one that allows you a peaceful nights’ rest. The one that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. There really was no logical reason to make a move at this point in our lives.

Nevertheless I began the search for a Real Estate Company in Sumner County. Having worked with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World through my broker in California, my first search was to their website. www.LeadingRE.com. There I found Bob Parks Realty, LLC situated in several Middle Tennessee locations, one of which is in Gallatin. I immediately called their Relocation office, spoke with the Relocation Coordinator and relayed my story. She in turn put me in touch with Leanne Hively, a Realtor at Bob Parks Realty, Gallatin/Hendersonville office and before I knew it I was receiving information about homes for sale in Sumner County. Was this really happening? Could we actually be even contemplating a move? And to Tennessee?

So in October 2007 we again arrive at Nashville International Airport, only this time we are full of excitement, big dreams and open minds….and guess what!

Next - Finding that “perfect” home

Read Part 3 of this post here.

Posted By: Christine Nale

Has your life been affected by the recent bad weather in Middle TN resulting in devastating tornadoes? You might be interested in having a home with a basement. This home in Franklin boasts 4 BR, 3 BA, large den, office (5th BR), gas cooktop, full irr., fenced back yard and full basement w/BR and full BA. For a link to the listing click here: www.1001vincent.com. For further information, please give me a call!

Posted By: Carol Hearne

Web 2.0, Facebook, LinkedIn, Plaxo, Twitter, Blogs, ActiveRain, Trulia Voices ~ does this all sound like a foreign language? Well, get ready to be blasted in to another world! The world of “Social Networking.”

Social Networking is the new norm. Staying in touch and in the flow with friends, family, business associates, past clients and attracting new clients is part of the process of social networking. When focusing on our SOI, sphere of influence, it can attract business by connecting with people who know, like and trust us. Part of social networking is being an expert in an area and sharing that information with others.

When you hear the word blogging and social networking, do you think, “I don’t have time for all that”? Well, in my most humble opinion, we don’t have time not to social network. Blogging can be fun! I’m having fun right now just thinking about all the ways I want to social network, what I want to write about and how I can weave my work and my personal life in to my social networking. Our work and personal lives are intertwined already and this give us a platform to reach out to others and stay connected while having a little fun.

You may ask, “Why on line?”. You don’t have to be a geek to do it. Anyone can social network! If you are texting, emailing, blogging, or twittering you are social networking. It is the same as you interact off line you do on line. Reaching out to people you know, having conversations, sharing ideas, learning new things keeps us in the loop and moving forward. All this technology helps us give high personal touch in a new way. I knew I had to find out more about social networking when my 70 year old mother was trying to get Twitter on her phone so she could receive her daily Bible verse from her church. WOW, was all I could say. Did I get connected? You bet I did and it’s been fun ever since.

Within our company, Bob Parks Realty, we have started two new blogs:
GuideMeHome2Nashville.com and GuideMeHome2NashvilleRutherford.com, which has gotten our agents in the flow of writing, being creative and having fun. We are building a library of information for friends and clients who may be moving or relocating to the Middle Tennessee Nashville area. Our agents are specialists within their geographic service area and able to help clients get connected within our communities. We provide an Internet Website Guide (Click Here for more info) of information to help with the relocation / moving process.

So, you see “social networking” can help us stay in touch and provide information while being creative and having fun. I say go for it, jump in and start social networking!

Posted By: Tammy Carroll

We vacation in St. Croix for a week or so every winter. A few years ago we were considering buying a vacation home on that beautiful island and then it occurred to us: if we have a 2nd home there, we’ll only get to use it a couple of times a year. Instead, we built our dream vacation cottage right in the front yard of our Green Hills home!

Originally built in the 1930s by the Bryan Family, our Mission Stucco home features architectural elements reminiscent of traditional Mediterranean cottages popular in warmer climates. We continued that architectural style with an expansive renovation and addition and replaced the asphalt shingles with the clay tiles that were original to the residence.

Featured in Home And Garden Magazine and nFocus, our home includes a dramatic entry through (for lack of a better word) the “Guest House” and vaulted loggia. The entire home wraps around a saltwater pool and hot tub with a splashing waterfall and lush landscape you’d expect in a resort. Spend a few minutes here and it’s easy to forget you’re five blocks from Green Hills mall, less than ten minutes from downtown (without traveling on the interstate) and Maryland Farms in Brentwood. You won’t find a more convenient or desirable location that makes you truly feel like you’re on vacation every time you pull in the driveway.

Listed at $1,500,000 (priced for current market) our home features a total of 5330 sq feet, five bedrooms and five full baths and expansive outdoor entertaining areas. Both the “morning kitchen” and the new guest house/party room kitchen boasts gourmet appointments: Sub-zero glass front regrigerators, Wolf, Viking, Thermador, Asko… as well as a “kitchen to kitchen” intercom which makes communication with caterers a breeze when entertaining large parties! Check out more details Here.

If you’re in the market for a luxury home with a warm and relaxed feel, this may the home for you. Give me a call today and I’ll be glad to arrange a personal tour! Jack Miller (owner/agent) 615.308.7776

Posted By: Jack Miller

In the 1970’s American’s became aware of the fact we were becoming too dependent on foreign oil. Energy efficient homes were being built and as the price of oil dropped so did energy efficient home construction. The 21st century finds the cost of foreign oil is too prohibitive along with drilling for oil in the U.S. Other fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas have increased in price and are also to expensive to burn. Of the 100 million plus homes in the U.S. only approximately 1% are energy efficient. This calls for action by many Americans to retrofit there home’s without a large outlay of money. When this is done the use cost of energy is reduced by 50% , thereby reducing the monthly cost of living.

Posted By: Bob Cunningham

It’s Jazzfest time in Murfreesboro ! The 13th annual Mainstreet Jazzfest is only days away. On May 1 & 2 located on the historic Courthouse Square this 2 day celebration will be attended by thousands. It has become one of Tennessee’s premier festivals. My family looks forward to this event each year. We pack up the tailgate chairs, make sure we have some pocket change for munchies & shopping and off we go to meet up with friends.

The Jazzfest is more than just a concert. It’s people watching, you never know who you will see! It’s the yummy food, you can’t help but sample from several of the food vendors. Its’s shopping, and who doesn’t love that?! The kids can let loose and enjoy the activities in the kids area. Shop, mingle and just relax all while hearing some of the best live contemporary jazz. Admission is FREE . You can’t beat that! Good Friends, Good Food and the sounds of smooth Jazz under the stars, now that’s a Good Evening!

For a list of local bands and musicians go to www.mainstreetjazzfest.com

Posted By: MaryAnn Fisher

Third in Series of blogs about our family’s relocation from California to Tennessee.

In January 2007, life continued as usual for us in California. Our little town of Kerman lies in the San Joaquin Valley, (about 20 miles west of Fresno) which is in the southern half of the Central Valley home to many of California’s most productive agricultural efforts. The Central Valley stretches approximately 400 miles from north to south and is around 42,000 square miles, making it roughly the same size as the state of Tennessee.

Typically in January and February, the yearly cycle would start again with pruning and tying vineyards. In almond orchards, bees would be placed for pollination. By March and April, the landscape would be dotted with farmers on their tractors driving long hard hours to nowhere in particular.

If fortunate enough to have had an abundant rain year, irrigation water would begin its long trek through the intricate canal system originating at Pine Flat Lake in eastern Fresno County. Pine Flat is an artificial lake with a storage capacity of 1,000,000 acre-feet. On dry years, irrigations from Pine Flat could be delayed up to May, making farmers dependent on pumping water from wells strategically placed throughout vineyards and orchards. It is important to mention that the average rainfall in the San Joaquin Valley totals about 10 inches a year (rainfall years being measured July 1st to June 30th); therefore irrigation water is crucial to the survival of farm land in Fresno county.

Summer would arrive with long, sun-filled days, cloudless skies, and beautiful, cool desert nights. Every so often record breaking heat waves would encompass the Valley with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees for weeks on end. The months of August and September would bring the stresses of harvest, and the reminder of just how dependent a farmer is on the graces of Mother Nature..

Regardless of the weather, the land always demands the dedicated attention of the farmer. Whether it is the 2 a.m. changing of irrigation water, or the long-awaited day of harvest, the farm is ever present in the mind of the farmer. But we cherished our life on the farm and were blessed with many things, among them our health, friends and family and the realization that we made a difference in the world with hard work and perseverance.

Next - August 2007 and never say never

Read Part II of this post here.

Posted By: Christine Nale

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World recognizes, Bob Parks Realty as a Global Alliance Award Nominee at this year’s annual conference held at the Kierland Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Az. Bob Parks Realty’s Corporate Real Estate Services Division was nominated for the Global Alliance award for real estate business conducted across the outside the United States borders. Through the network, The Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, the Relocation Department Corporate Real Estate Services of Bob Parks Realty is able to connect buyers and sellers anywhere in the United States and in 37 foreign countries.

Through the Relo Home Search capability, buyers and sellers are able to see the real estate practices in each country along with the currency and language that is used. Luxury properties are also listed on the Luxury Portfolio website with multiple photos and visual property tours. Luxury Portfolio represents companies within the network that market and sell luxury single family homes, condos, farms and estates around the world. For more info, Click Here.

For anyone moving or relocating to Nashville, Bob Parks Realty offers a welcome relocation package of information that will help get connected to just about everything you ever wanted to know about Nashville and the surrounding areas. Bob Parks Realty has offices to serve all of Nashville - Middle Tennessee for single family and multi-family homes, condos, land, farms, estates, and luxury properties.

Posted By: Tammy Carroll

I’ve recently had the opportunity to visit The Center for the Arts in Murfreesboro. My husband and children were in the production The Wizard of Oz. During this time I had the opportunity to explore this 100 year old building and learn a little about its history.

This Italianate structure was built in 1909 on the site of an old livery station and originally served as a Post Office. In 1962 it became the Linebaugh Library. When the library moved, the building was renovated and on December 1, 1995 it re-opened as The Center for the Arts.

Whether you enjoy theatre productions, art exhibits, music, dance or even if you are looking for educational classes and camps; The Center for the Arts has something for just about everyone

The Center for the Arts is a non profit organization and relies on individual and corporate support and donations. For more information about The Center for the Arts take a look at Their Website.

I have lived in Murfreesboro for 10 years now. I’ve lived all over the country and know first hand the excitement and struggles that come with relocating. As a Realtor with Bob Parks Realty, my goal is to eliminate as many of those struggles as possible and help you to focus on the excitement of your new home town. Murfreesboro/Rutherford County has experienced so much growth and this growth is continuing. There is so much to offer here so take the time to explore where you live, you’ll be glad you did.

Posted By: Diana Wood

One of the little known local “gems” in Franklin Tennessee is Graceworks Ministry. Graceworks began in 1995 when local churches got together to help the poor in Williamson County. It is an ecumenical, nonprofit ministry funded primarily by Williamson County churches, individuals, businesses, civic group and the Graceworks Thrift Store. (Over 60% of total funding comes from store sales.) Graceworks provides physical, emotional, spiritual, material, and referral services to those in need while helping them break the cycle of dependency on government assistance. Others who benefit from this ministry are people that find themselves in unexpected circumstances such as the sudden death of a spouse, catastrophic illness, or a lingering disability. Graceworks is a haven for those who have no where else to turn.

One of the services that Graceworks provides is a RN visiting nurse service for citizens who are home bound. It’s called the Parish Nurse Program and I have been one of the volunteer nurses for the last 4 years! In that role I partner up with one or more clients and visit them on a regular basis. Most recently I have been visiting the same older couple now for over 2 years. I love my visits with them. Parish Nurses are not bound by Federal Home Health guidelines so we can go as often as we want and for as long as the relationship is good for everyone involved. I have found that it does as much for my heart as it does for the people I am visiting! We take vital signs, check medication compliance and check on their general status. Mostly, we just lend an ear to their concerns and worries. If they want to pray, we can do that with them too! I love being a Parish Nurse and encourage all my nursing friends to join up and experience what old time nursing was all about. Visit Graceworks at www.graceworksministries.net to learn more about this wonderful cooperative ministry we have in Franklin Tennessee. You may know someone who could benefit from our services. By all means, put them in touch with Graceworks!

Posted By: Charlene Kimmel

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Annual Conference at the Kierland Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. Tough job I know, but someone has to do it. This year our theme was, "The Power of The Bold" which was the event of the year! We had a wonderful opportunity to hear from some of the best strategic thinkers in our industry ~ Ken Lowe, Scripps Network, Steve Harney, Steve Harney Inc., Michael Stave, The Staver Group, Matthew Ferrara, Matthew Ferrara & Company. They shared ideas and insights on navigating through the current challenging economic times so that our business continue to thrive.

Every year about this time I look forward to seeing my friends from around the world ~ and I do mean around the world! We have nearly 700 members in the United States and 37 foreign countries. That’s the strength of our network! We are all independently owned real estate firms who come together to share and learn from one another. We had international members from China, Bahamas, Italy, Australia, Spain, Canada, Mexico, and Switzerland. One of the most fun things I like to do is search luxury properties at www.relohomesearch.com in other countries. I'm able to see what properties are for sale and what the real estate practices are in that particular country. One of the benefits of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World website is anyone can search single family homes, condos, or luxury properties at www.luxuryportfolio.com The website also provides what currency the country uses and the information is in 9 different languages.

One of the Workshops I attended was the Luxury Portfolio™, Fine Property Collection Spring Workshop. It was attended by over one hundred luxury property specialists from around the world. My favorite thing was the luxury property tour of two properties currently listed for sale by our member in Scottsdale, Arizona Best Real Estate. One was a furnished luxury condo overlooking the desert mountain view with easy access to shopping, golf and restaurants. The complex even had its own private wine storage for residents. Then we traveled a short bus ride to Desert Mountain Club to a home designed by Lee Hutchinson and built with incredible attention to detail. The home was cut into the side of the mountain with an infinity pool, indoor and outdoor living. We shared an awesome lunch and headed back to town, needless to say I wanted to escape and hang out the rest of the day.

I also attended a session on Social Networking or Web 2.0, which included texting, blogging, podcasts, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. We even had our own “Twitter” group at the conference following each session and keeping everyone informed and on track. I learned what a “hash tag” is and how to update and receive “tweets” on my blackberry. Am I high tech or what? Social networking is an exciting way to stay in touch with friends, family, clients and business associates around the world. I personally think social networking provides a high tech way for high personal touch while building relationships with all the people I want to stay in contact with.

One of the sessions being offered was, “Improving Your Communication and Productivity” which I served as a panelist on with Judy Gray from Cam Taylor Company in Ohio and MaryLou Lee with Watson Realty Corp. in Florida. We shared tips to get and stay organized, along with strategies in Outlook to manage emails and information and time management strategies. We are all doing more with less and one of the top tips was about how to create folders and rules in Outlook to manage emails.

My favorite session was on Short Sales and REO business! The session was lead by Debbie Robinson with RealtySouth in Birmingham, Alabama and Blaise Coco with Coco, Early & Associates in Mass. With the increased number of foreclosures and “at risk” mortgages in many markets, we have challenges and opportunities for brokers to help serve clients. Debbie and Blaise shared strategies on how to provide valuable service to clients in short sale situations. Bob Parks Realty has Realtors to help clients learn more about short sales and how to deal with this situation.

Networking Night was awesome! It allowed everyone to visit the booths from other real estate companies and our vendor partners who serve our LeadingRE network. One of my favorite booths is Red Letter Promotions, Joe Spano! He does an awesome job with promotional and marketing items and is so much fun to work with. His branded products encompass everything from marketing kits to holiday cards which provides a solutions to our members.

I must say we had a break on Saturday afternoon when we just “had to share lunch out by the pool”. The sun was wonderful, food was delicious and the friends were the best part! Until next year ~ hugs to everyone! Think Nashville, think Bob Parks Realty. Ya’ll come visit!

Posted By: Tammy Carroll

Second in Series of blogs about our family’s relocation from California to Tennessee.

My second trip to Middle Tennessee was in July 2004 while in route to Florida to celebrate my uncle’s 70 birthday party. This time my Mother and I spent 3 days here, visiting my sister and her fiancé , shopping and eating our way around Gallatin and Hendersonville. I remember visiting Old Time Pottery, Hobby Lobby and Panera Bread. I was impressed with the rolling hills, the stately brick homes and the close proximity to Old Hickory Lake. I brought home trinkets from my travels in Tennessee and told all my friends back in California how wonderful the people are. Not too much of a surprise, given the “Southern Hospitality” reputation the south is known for. Didn’t really think much more about Tennessee, other than when I caught up with my sister either by phone or email.

Now, for a little history about me, my husband and our lives in California. We lived in a small agricultural community, west of Fresno, in a town named Kerman – population 10,000. My husband, a 3rd generation farmer, was born and raised in this town; building our home ¼ mile from where he grew up. We lived in the country, surrounded by grape vineyards and most recently almond orchards with their trees lined up like soldiers standing guard over the terrain. During the months of February, March and April, the trees and vines would spring to life erupting in pastels of pink and green transforming the stark, flat landscape into a watercolor painting.

Spring has always been my favorite time of year and as farmers we welcomed the promise of another abundant year on the farm.

Next…Life on the farm.

Read Part I of this post here.

Posted By: Christine Nale