Growing up in New York State was wonderful. I lived in a house facing Saratoga Lake on land that my grandfather gave my father. Our family had the sort of thing being talked about now – it was like one of those family compounds with an uncle nearby and my grandparents around the bend. But it was really much bigger than that with a pond, gardens and farmland, a barn and the Indian Hill. There was miles of swamp land too and of course the lake. My grandparent’s house was originally known as Turtle Point Farm and many years ago they sold it to a group called the Saratoga Sailing Club. What a sweet spot that is, both now and in the memories of many of the Melander clan and our extended families plus those who came before us.

But this is the time of year I always hated the most. As we approach our winter solstice I am reminded by my current lethargy of SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder. I was never diagnosed mind you but I know I had it. I would get cranky, have a shorter temper and sometimes just be downright depressed. We would often get six solid weeks of NO sun. Grey sky day after day after day. AND it felt cold and damp much of the time, Yuck!

Thank GOD for Savannah! One thing about our climate here is the sunshine. Out of 365 days we have something like 320 days of sun! And other than some unpredictable short spells of cold (does not compare to the northeast or the Midwest), our winter days in Savannah often feel like spring. Some people call it our fifth season. I love it! AND I do not get affected by SAD any longer. I still slow down a little bit this time of the year though but everything here in the south is much more gentle anyway. The weather here has an amazing affect on us all. I highly recomend it and I know you'll agree!

Recent interesting “area one” under contract:

7 East Jones $1,200,000

515 Tattnall Street $649,500

106 E Taylor Street $600,000

220 East 33^rd (upper) $259,000

530 East Anderson Street $299,900

Recent interesting “area one” Solds:

819 Whitaker $979,000

416 Macon $875,000

318 Habersham $865,000

805 Whitaker - several units sold and under contract priced in the mid twos

125 E Broad - several units sold and under contract priced in the mid to upper ones

Until next week,

Ron Melander