Sally English Atlanta Real Estate: August 2009

SALLY ENGLISH BLOG INFORMATION

The Sally English Blog is a landing spot for my posts about real estate in Atlanta Georgia.  But it is also more than that.  Recently I have made posts about nature's inspiration, local businesses, local restaurants and local attractions.  The Sally English Blog has become a chronicle of my daily activities, thoughts about my neighborhood and of course information about homes I have listed.

NEIGHBORHOODS SERVED BY THE SALLY ENGLISH BLOG

As a residential real estate agent in Atlanta Georgia, I have chosen include in the SALLY ENGLISH BLOG neighborhoods convenient to Emory University, Centers for Disease Control and the VA Medical Center.  These neighborhoods are clustered around communities in Decatur, Northlake, Tucker, Dunwoody, Chamblee, Stone Mountain, Doraville and Druid Hills.

Individual neighborhoods covered in the SALLY ENGLISH BLOG include Sagamore Hills, Oak Grove, Briarlake, Embry Hills, Pleasantdale, Midvale, Evansdale, Livsey, Idlewood, Brockett, Smoke Rise, Shamrock, Medlock, Huntley Hills, Montgomery, Hawthorne, Henderon Mill, Dresden, Montclair, Cary Reynolds, Woodward, Briar Vista, Fernbank, Laurel Rdige, McLendon, Austin, Chestnut, Hightower and Vanderlyn neighborhoods.

SALLY ENGLISH BLOG Real Estate Information

The SALLY ENGLISH BLOG will include:

1. Homes for Sale

2. Descriptions of Homes our Buyers are searching for

3, Trends in the DeKalb County and Atlanta Georgia Real Estate Markets

4. Tips and advice about selling a home in Atlanta Georgia

5. Tips and advice about buying a home in Atlanta Georgia

6. Real Estate Market Analysis and Market Reports

MAKE A POST ON THE SALLY ENGLISH BLOG

If you wish to make a contribution to the SALLY ENGLISH BLOG, contact us at sallyenglish@englishteam.com and share your ideas.

Thanks!

The Intrinsic Beauty of Dahlias in Bloom

Magnificent!

Call Sally English and The English Team to see homes with beautiful gardens!  770-939-3174.  The English Team specializes in homes convenient to Emory University and homes convenient to the Centers for Disease Control.  We look forward to assisting you with your home buying or home selling needs.

Search all Atlanta Georgia Homes at www.englishteam.com.

See all English Team Listings at www.englishteam.com.

Follow Sally English at http://sallyenglishblog.com/

2447 Sunset Drive Atlanta Georgia 30345: HOME FOR SALE

$299,900

2447 Sunset Drive Atlanta Georgia 30345: HOME FOR SALE

¨ 3 BRs. 2 BATHS.

¨ Finished basement

¨ Fenced back yard.

¨ OPEN FLOOR PLAN.

¨ INTERIOR WALLS removed.  Very open!

¨ Walk/bike to Echo Ridge Club (swim & tennis) back entrance.

¨ Low maintenance brick

¨ GREAT ROOM features  a masonry stone fireplace with gas logs.  Exposed stone from floor to ceiling. Refinished hardwood floors.  Coat closet. Open to DR and kitchen. 

¨ KITCHEN has solid mahogany cabinets.   White Formica countertops and pine paneling backsplash. Great undercounter lighting.   Display and cookbook shelves.  White appliances. Small breakfast bar. Oak hardwood flooring.  Door to laundry room and storage area.  Door to carport.  Open to dining room and great room.

¨ PREMIUM APPLIANCES: Maytag dishwasher (white) , GE oven (white),  Frigidaire solid surface cook top (white). Ventahood (white).

¨ LAUNDRY ROOM on main level has  washer and dryer connections, cabinets, concrete floor and 2 windows.

¨ PETITE BREAKFAST AREA in kitchen has a built in table at perfect height for bar stools.

¨ FORMAL DINING ROOM is open to kitchen and great room.  Oak hardwood floors.  Chandelier.  Glass doors open to screen porch.

¨ MASTER BEDROOM has hardwood floors,  double door closet.  2 windows. Private entrance to master bath.

¨ MASTER BATH has a ceramic tile floor, walk-in shower with glass shower door. Vanity cabinet and sink.  Window.

¨ BEDROOM # 2 has a ceiling fan and light, hardwood floors, deep double door closet, 2 windows.

¨ BEDROOM # 3 has an ash parquet floor. Walk-in closet.  Large window.  Door to hall bath.

¨ HALL BATH features a vanity cabinet and sink, ceramic tile floor,  tub/shower combo with glass door.

¨ CEDAR CLOSET in back hall.

¨ BASEMENT has finished rec room, partially finished home office / Gym area. Exterior door.

¨ REC ROOM has a door to back yard, lots of daylight from 3 windows, pine paneling, drop ceiling and composite tile floor.

¨ HOME OFFICE/GYM is partially finished space.  Lighting, windows, painted walls and indoor -outdoor style carpet.

¨ Attic has extra blown in insulation.

¨ SIDE ENTRY CARPORT parking for 2 cars. Extra parking provided by loose stone pads adjacent to driveway.     

¨ PRIVATE FENCED BACK YARD  ready for your pet.  Room for back yard games and fun.

¨ TERRACED GARDEN AREA behind driveway has space for vegetables, roses or your favorite perennials.

¨ SCREEN PORCH overlooks back yard.  Access doors from DR and from carport.

¨ Beautifully landscaped front yard. Stone accents.    

¨ Convenient commute to EMORY UNIVERSITY / CDC / VA Medical Center /Midtown.

¨ Hawthorne ES

¨ Henderson MS

¨ Lakeside HS

 2447 Sunset Drive Atlanta Georgia 30345: HOME FOR SALE

 2447 Sunset Drive Atlanta Georgia 30345: HOME FOR SALE

Call Sally English and The English Team to see this home or others in the Hawthorne Elementary School and Lakeside High School neighborhoods.  770-939-3174.  The English Team specializes in homes convenient to Emory University and homes convenient to the Centers for Disease Control.  We look forward to assisting you with your home buying or home selling needs.

Search all Atlanta Georgia Homes at www.englishteam.com.

See all English Team Listings at www.englishteam.com.

Follow Sally English at http://sallyenglishblog.com/

2844 Talisman Court Atlanta Georgia 30345: HOME FOR SALE

2844 Talisman Court Atlanta Georgia 30345: HOME FOR SALE

¨ 3 BRs. 3 BATHS.

¨ Finished basement

¨ Fenced back yard.

¨ Wooded lot

¨ Newer driveway and parking pad.

¨ Walk to Hawthorne Elementary School

¨ Low maintenance brick exterior.

¨ Interior wall between Living Room and Family Room removed to open up main living area.  DR, LR, Family Room and Breakfast Area open.

¨ FAMILY ROOM features  a masonry fireplace with gas logs and exposed brick from floor to ceiling. Antique mantle.  Wood parquet floor.  Stained wood paneling.  Open to LR, DR, Breakfast area. 

¨ KITCHEN has stained wood cabinets, Formica countertops, ceramic tile floor, pantry.  Large porcelain sink.  Double window.   Open to breakfast room.   Door to carport.

¨ PREMIUM APPLIANCES: Bosch dishwasher (black glass) , Bosch oven (black glass), 5 burner gas cook top with commercial grade ventahood (stainless steel), Sub Zero Refrigerator Freezer (white glass finish).

¨ BREAKFAST ROOM adjacent to kitchen is light and bright.  Glass doors to deck.

¨ FORMAL LIVING ROOM has wall removed to open up LR to family room and dining room.  Hardwood floors.   Triple window.

¨ FORMAL DINING ROOM also has hardwood floors.  Door to kitchen.  Double window.

¨ MASTER BEDROOM has a ceiling fan and light, hardwood floors,  walk-in closet.  2 windows.

¨ MASTER BATH has a ceramic tile floor, walk-in shower with glass shower door.  Window.

¨ BEDROOM # 2 has a ceiling fan and light, hardwood floors, walk-in closet, double window plus single window.

¨ BEDROOM # 3 used as a HOME OFFICE.  Double French doors open to LR.  Also has door to back hall.  Hardwood floors. Ceiling fan and light.

¨ HALL BATH features a vanity cabinet and sink, ceramic tile floor,  tub/shower combo.

¨ BASEMENT has finished rec room, full bath, finished home office and unfinished laundry room area.

¨ REC ROOM has a ceramic tile floor.  Used as a bedroom by present owners.  2 ceiling fans.  Glass doors to back yard.

¨ HOME OFFICE has double French doors to Rec Room.  Ceiling fan and light.  Ceramic tile floor.

¨ FULL BATH #3 has a ceramic tile floor, vanity cabinet and sink, shower.

¨ LAUNDRY ROOM has a ceramic tile floor, washer and dryer connections, laundry sink.

¨ CARPORT parking for 2 cars plus extra parking pad adjacent to car port. 

¨ New DRIVEWAY. 

¨ PRIVATE BACK YARD: partially fenced. 

¨ PATIO/DECK access from family room.  Storage for lawn mower etc under deck.

¨ NEW TANKLESS WATER HEATER

¨ Cul-de-sac street.

¨ Convenient commute to EMORY UNIVERSITY / CDC / VA Medical Center /Midtown.

¨ Hawthorne ES

¨ Henderson MS

¨ Lakeside HS

2844 Talisman Court Atlanta Georgia 30345: HOME FOR SALE

2844 Talisman Court Atlanta Georgia 30345: HOME FOR SALE

Call Sally English and The English Team to see this home or others in the Hawethorne Elementary School and Lakeside High School neighborhood.  770-939-3174.  The English Team specializes in homes convenient to Emory University and homes convenient to the Centers for Disease Control.  We look forward to assisting you with your home buying or home selling needs.

Search all Atlanta Georgia Homes at www.englishteam.com.

See all English Team Listings at www.englishteam.com.

Follow Sally English at http://sallyenglishblog.com/

1795 Council Bluff Drive Atlanta Georgia 30345 HOME FOR SALE in Sagamore Hills

$439,000

1795 Council Bluff Drive Atlanta Georgia 30345 HOME FOR SALE in Sagamore Hills

¨ 4 BRs. 3 BATHS.

¨ Move in ready!

¨ Completely renovated.

¨ NEW KITCHEN

¨ NEW BATHS

¨ REFINISHED HARDWOOD FLOORS.

¨ New LIGHT FIXTURES

¨ New WINDOWS

¨ Plantation shutters

¨ GREAT ROOM has newly refinished hardwood floors.  Recessed lighting. French doors to deck. Open to dining room.

¨ DINING ROOM opens to family room. Hardwood floors. Cased opening to kitchen. Track lighting. Doors to master BR.

¨ NEW KITCHEN is an attention grabber. New cabinets with Shaker style doors and nickel pulls. Granite countertops.  Tumbled marble backsplash in a diagonal pattern. Large island with breakfast bar overhang.  Recessed lighting, pendent lighting and directional lighting.  Hardwood floors. Two pantry cabinets. Under counter stainless steel sink..double bowl.  Open to adjacent breakfast room.  Cased opening to DR.

¨ PREMIUM APPLIANCES include a Frigidaire Quiet Series III dishwasher with stainless steel finish.  Frigidaire gas range with power burner (stainless steel finish).  Matching Frigidaire built in Microwave oven with ventahood (stainless steel finish). 

¨ BREAKFAST ROOM adjacent to kitchen has hardwood floors, triple window, door to garage and double doors to laundry closet.  Ceiling fan/light.

¨ MASTER BEDROOM SUITE has low pile carpet, recessed lighting. Wood burning fireplace with marble surround, glass doors and mantle. French doors to patio.  Walk in closet plus double door closet.  Plantation shutters. Ceiling fan/light.

¨ SPA MASTER BATH has a Jacuzzi type tub with ceramic tile surround.  Walk in shower with glass door, ceramic tile floor and walls, premium shower head.  Ceramic tile floor.  Double vanity cabinet with cultured marble countertops and sinks.  Linen closet, toilet closet.

¨ BEDROOM # 2 has hardwood floors, double door closet with wire shelving. Door to hall bath. Double window plus single window

¨ HALL BATH features separate vanity and wet areas.  Vanity area has white vanity cabinet with cultured marble top and sink.  Ceramic tile floor, toilet.  WET AREA has tub/shower combination with ceramic tile floor and shower walls.

¨ BEDROOMS #3 & 4  also have hardwood floors.  Good closets. Door to Jack and Jill bath.

¨ JACK AND JILL BATH between BRs #3 and 4 features a ceramic tile floor, pedestal sink, bead board paneling, walk in shower with glass door, ceramic tile floor and walls.

¨ BASEMENT has windows, door to back yd.

¨ 2 CAR GARAGE with opener and remotes. 

¨ PARTIALLY FENCED BACK YARD.  Large lawn area.

¨ DECK access from great room.

¨ 4 sides low maintenance brick exterior.

¨ Newer HVAC systems, roof, electrical and plumbing.

¨ Sagamore Hills Civic Association: www.sagamoreonline.net

¨ Convenient commute to EMORY UNIVERSITY / CDC / VA Medical Center /Midtown.

¨ Sagamore Hills ES

¨ Shamrock MS

¨ Druid Hills HS

1795 Council Bluff Drive Atlanta Georgia 30345 HOME FOR SALE in Sagamore Hills

1795 Council Bluff Drive Atlanta Georgia 30345 HOME FOR SALE in Sagamore Hills

Call Sally English and The English Team to see this home or others in the Sagamore Hills neighborhood.  770-939-3174.  The English Team specializes in homes convenient to Emory University and homes convenient to the Centers for Disease Control.  We look forward to assisting you with your home buying or home selling needs.

Search all Atlanta Georgia Homes at www.englishteam.com.

See all English Team Listings at www.englishteam.com.

Follow Sally English at http://sallyenglishblog.com/

4638 Empress Court Tucker Georgia 30084 Tucker Home For Sale

$187,500

4638 Empress Court Tucker Georgia 30084 Tucker Home For Sale

¨ 3 BRs. 2 BATHS.

¨ Ready to move in now!

¨ Cul-de-sac lot.

¨ Partially fenced bk yd.

¨ Carport parking.

¨ Laminate HARDWOOD FLOORING in LR, DR, Kitchen, Breakfast room.

¨  Original hardwood flooring in BRs.

¨ KITCHEN features white custom cabinets with raised panel doors.  Neutral Formica countertop with ceramic tile backsplash. Stainless steel sink with window above.  Kitchen open to breakfast room.  Laminate hardwood flooring.

¨ APPLIANCES include a Roper electric oven, Kenmore gas cooktop, dishwasher.

¨ BREAKFAST ROOM is open to kitchen. Laminate hardwood flooring. Ceiling fan and light.  Large double windows.  Door to carport.  Door to laundry room. 

¨ OVERSIZE LAUNDRY ROOM/BONUS ROOM adjacent to breakfast room could double as a home office. Washer and dryer connections, built in storage cabinets, ceramic tile floor, ceiling fan and light.     

¨ FAMILY ROOM features a masonry fireplace with gas log lighter.  Custom mantle.  Brick hearth.  Laminate hardwood floors.  Bookcases,  Recessed lighting.  Ceiling fan and light.  Double French doors to Sun Room.

¨ ENTRANCE FOYER has a  laminate wood floor.  Pull down staircase access to attic and programmable thermostat in back hall.

¨ FORMAL LIVING ROOM features a laminate hardwood floor.  Open to DR. Ceiling fan and light.  

¨ FORMAL DINING ROOM features a laminate hardwood floor.  Open to LR. Ceiling fan and light.   Cased opening to kitchen. 

¨ SUN ROOM along back of home has 3 sky lights, lots of windows and a door to the deck.

¨ DECK accessed from Sun Room overlooks a wooded  back yard.  Steps to back yard.

¨ SPACIOUS MASTER BEDROOM  features hardwood floors, double door closet, ceiling fan and light.

¨ MASTER BATH has a separate wet area and vanity area.  Vanity area has a hardwood laminate floor, white vanity cabinet with cultured marble sink and countertop.  Wet area has a walk in shower, wood laminate floor, new low flow water saver toilet.

¨ BEDROOM # 2 & 3 have hardwood floors, good closets and doors to Jack and Jill bath between BRs.

¨ JACK AND JILL  BATH features a ceramic tile floor, vanity cabinet and sink, tub/shower combination with sliding glass doors.

¨ STORAGE located crawl space. Septic tank

¨ Lots of shopping, restaurants and services nearby in Tucker.  Amazing restaurants consistently ranked in AJC TOP 50 for metro Atlanta.  Tucker has a small town feel with big city services.

¨ Convenient commute to Mercer / EMORY / CDC / VA /Midtown.

¨ Smoke Rise ES

¨ Tucker MS

¨ Tucker HS: International Baccalaureate degree program

 4638 Empress Court Tucker Georgia 30084 Tucker Home For Sale

4638 Empress Court Tucker Georgia 30084 Tucker Home For Sale

Call Sally English and The English Team to see this home or others in the Imperial Hills neighborhood.  770-939-3174.  The English Team specializes in homes convenient to Emory University and homes convenient to the Centers for Disease Control.  We look forward to assisting you with your home buying or home selling needs.

3151 Bolero Pass Atlanta Georgia 30341 HOME FOR SALE

$389,900

3151 Bolero Pass Atlanta Georgia 30341 HOME FOR SALE

¨ 4 BRs. 3 BATHS.

¨ Move in ready!

¨ Huge basement ready for your finish.

¨ Immaculate condition inside and out.

¨ Walk to Henderson Middle School

¨ VAULTED FAMILY ROOM features a stone fireplace with gas logs and custom mantle.  Hardwood floors.  Door to deck.  Directional lighting, ceiling fan and light. "Half" paneling on walls. Door to rear staircase. 

¨ PAINTED DECK overlooks private back yard.  Steps to back yard.

¨ KITCHEN has custom built cabinets with natural stain finish.  Built in pantry.  Vinyl floor.  Laundry closet with washer and dryer connections.

¨ APPLIANCES: Frigidaire dishwasher (black glass) , GE double oven (black glass), downdraft cooktop (stainless finish).

¨ BREAKFAST ROOM adjacent to kitchen is light and bright.

¨ TWO STORY ENTRANCE FOYER features hardwood floors, chandelier, cased opening to living room.

¨ FORMAL LIVING ROOM has hardwood floors, cased opening to dining room, crown molding, two windows.

¨ FORMAL DINING ROOM also has hardwood floors, crown molding and double windows.  Door to kitchen.

¨ BEDROOM ON MAIN FLOOR has entrance from front hall.  Carpet, walk-in closet, ceiling fan and light, crown molding, 2 windows.

¨ FULL BATH ON MAIN FLOOR: ceramic tile floor, vanity cabinet and sink, tub/shower combo.

¨ Second Floor: 3 BRs, 2 baths , bonus room. Blinds on BR windows.

¨ SPACIOUS MASTER BEDROOM SUITE has a ceiling fan and light, carpet, crown molding, walk-in closet.  Vanity cabinet and sink in dressing area.

¨ MASTER BATH has a ceramic tile floor, walk-in shower with glass shower door, separate tub (ceramic tile surround).  Separate dressing area in BR.

¨ BEDROOM # 3 has a ceiling fan and light, carpet, double door closet, 2 windows.

¨ HALL BATH features a vanity cabinet and sink, ceramic tile floor,  tub/shower combo.

¨ BEDROOM #4 has a ceiling fan and light, crown molding, double door closet, carpet, door to home office/back staircase.

¨ BONUS ROOM / HOME OFFICE / MEDIA ROOM accessed from BR 4 or from rear staircase in family room.  Built in Bookcases.  Window.

¨ HUGE BASEMENT ready for your finish.  Walls are framed in. Lots of windows. Door.

¨ 2 CAR GARAGE: electric openers/remotes 

¨ PRIVATE BACK YARD: large lawn area plus wooded area.  DECK access from family room.

¨ NEWER HVAC systems, architectural roof and gutters.  NEWER water heater (gas).

¨ Water line to street replaced.

¨ Brick exterior up to first floor level.

¨ Convenient commute to EMORY UNIVERSITY / CDC / VA Medical Center /Midtown.

¨ Much sought after WOODS OF HENDERSON neighborhood.

¨ Henderson Mill ES

¨ Henderson MS

¨ Lakeside HS

 3151 Bolero Pass Atlanta Georgia 30341 HOME FOR SALE

3151 Bolero Pass Atlanta Georgia 30341 HOME FOR SALE

Call Sally English and The English Team to see this home or others in the neighborhood.  770-939-3174.  The English Team specializes in homes convenient to Emory University and homes convenient to the Centers for Disease Control.  We look forward to assisting you with your home buying or home selling needs.

Search all Atlanta Georgia Homes at www.englishteam.com.

See all English Team Listings at www.englishteam.com.

Follow Sally English at http://sallyenglishblog.com/

5052 Patriot Drive Stone Mountain Georgia 30087 HOME FOR SALE

$498,900

¨ 5 BRs, 3.5 Baths.

¨ Spacious Georgian Estate in prestigious Smoke Rise.  2 Master BRS/one on main floor, huge rec room and media room on finished terrace level.  Garage parking for 4 cars.

¨ DESIGNER KITCHEN: hardwood floors, Silestone solid surface countertops, oak cabinets.  Radius window over sink. Island with downdraft cooktop/grill.  Pantry.

¨ PREMIUM APPLIANCES: Viking Professional side by side refrigerator (stainless), Maytag dishwasher (stainless finish), Jenn Aire downdraft cooktop (electric), two Jenn Aire ovens (black glass finish).

¨ BREAKFAST AREA open to kitchen. Hardwood floors.  Large bay windows overlook Koi pond.  Chandelier.  Open to family room.

¨ LAUNDRY ROOM off back hall. 

¨ BACK HALL: door to patio, back staircase to bonus room/BR #5/2nd floor. Door to laundry.

¨ Garage parking for 4 vehicles. 2 car attached GARAGE plus 2 car detached GARAGE.

¨ FAMILY ROOM features oak judges paneling, hardwood floors, fireplace with gas logs/glass doors, ceiling fan and light.  Pocket doors to breakfast room/kitchen. Two sets of double French doors to patio.

¨ BANQUET SIZE DINING ROOM has hardwood floors, heavy wood moldings, chandelier.  Cased opening to foyer. Elegant room for entertaining.  

¨ FORMAL LIVING ROOM on opposite side of two story entrance foyer has hardwood floors, recessed lighting, heavy wood moldings.

¨ SPACIOUS MASTER BEDROOM on MAIN FLOOR :ures heavy crown mold, carpet, 2 walk-in closets.

¨ ELEGANT MASTER BATH has a Roman style cultured marble tub, shower with glass door and cultured marble walls, large double vanity.

¨ 2nd Floor: 2nd Master BR/Bath + 3 additional BRs + full hall bath. 

¨ SPACIOUS MASTER BR #2: carpet, tray ceiling, 3 walk in closets.

¨ MASTER BATH #2: jetted cultured marble tub, shower, two separate vanities.

¨ BEDROOMS #3 & 4 are very spacious.  Carpet.

¨ BONUS ROOM/BR #5 would make an excellent home office or play room. Back staircase.

¨ FULL BATH on second floor hall.

¨ TERRACE LEVEL features a massive rec room plus a media room.  REC ROOM has carpet, finished walls and drop ceiling.  Door to exterior.  MEDIA ROOM also has carpet, finished walls and drop ceiling.

¨ OVERSIZE PATIO a great location for al fresco entertaining.  KOI POND and GAZEBO.

¨ SMOKE RISE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB located in the community.  Call 770-908-2582 for membership information.  Enjoy a state of the art fitness center, dining, social events, Olympic size pool (swim programs), 4 clay,+ 4 hard tennis courts (ALTA/USTA teams) and golf (18 hole Roger Baird course, golf pro, tournaments).

¨ Tucker restaurants, shopping and services nearby.

¨ Easy commute to Emory/Decatur/downtown/midtown.

¨ Smoke Rise Elem School.

¨ Tucker MS & HS

5052 Patriot Drive Stone Mountain Georgia 30087 HOME FOR SALE

5052 Patriot Drive Stone Mountain Georgia 30087 HOME FOR SALE

Call Sally English and The English Team to see this home or others in the neighborhood.  770-939-3174.  The English Team specializes in homes convenient to Emory University and homes convenient to the Centers for Disease Control.  We look forward to assisting you with your home buying or home selling needs.

Search all Atlanta Georgia Homes at www.englishteam.com.

See all English Team Listings at www.englishteam.com.

Follow Sally English at http://sallyenglishblog.com/

The dahlia garden at High Hampton Inn in Cashiers North Carolina was in full bloom this weekend.  The effect was stunning. 

Hard to believe all that beauty springs from a tuber kinda like a potato.  I read today where dahlias are like dogs, there is one in every size, shape and color.  Definitely worth a closer look. 

Chatooga wild and scenic river and a round of golf at Cashier's High Hampton helped re charge my batteries this week.  Our family did a "staycation" this summer as our travel funds were depleted by college expenses and a dwindling revenue stream.  So we headed to the mountains of nearby Western Carolina for some R and R.

Cashier's North Carolina was our base of operations and we took full advantage of the outdoor activities the region has to offer.

Tim and I spent the first afternoon trout fishing on the Tuckasegee River near Culowhee, NC, Played a round of Golf at the High Hampton Inn Course and also went trout fishing on the Chattooga  River (paddle faster, I hear banjo music).

A little time away from our regular routine gave us the break we needed to re charge our batteries.