The past four days have been akin to catching lightning with a fishing net. The real estate industry has left me breathless, and it's about to get a whole lot crazier. Starting next Monday I will be sitting for my Broker's license. It is exciting, and tumultuous, and the course and tests will occur at or around the time that Ryan Walker Long is expected to grace our humble abode.

The West Volusia Association of REALTORS golf tournament was held at DeLand Country Club on Friday. Our foursome consisted of Cecil Sapp and Dan Scanlon, and green reader extraordinare Todd Epping. We started out like a house afire, birdieing the first four holes, chipping in for eagle on the fifth, and birdieing the sixth to build a commanding lead. We hit a rut around hole thirteen and didn't make another birdie until the last. Wouldn't you know that we tied for the lead and then lost on a match of scorecards.

I wouldn't be so paranoid if everyone weren't so against me.

The gala was attended by the finest of folks, from the Doyle Appraisal foursome (pictured from left, Jon Sekula, Bob Doyle, Gardner Gould, and Warren Todd) to a strong contingent from Jill Edgington and her go-getters from Watson REALTY in DeLand.

Ryan has endured another week of poking and prodding, but he finished with a flourish as he is now in the NICU equivalent of the On Deck Circle. That's affirmative, the bambino is now in the Annex. His isolette has been canned in favor of an open-air crib, and there are rumblings about the nasal cannula being discarded entirely. Friday dawned with a call from the opthamologist, who stated flatly that Ryan's ROP had progressed, and that laser surgery would be necessary to get his developing eyes back on track. We gave consent, and then prayed frantically for our son to brave another obstacle in his ferocious quest to complete our family.

The surgery went well, and the doctor seemed pleased with the results. Ryan's eyes were swollen from a mixture of laser surgery and crying for milk which couldn't be administered prior to the procedure. He lost a bit of weight, too... but the camera doesn't lie, and that number is his weight(grams)as of right now. He's still well over four pounds, and looking quite a bit fuller. Mom and son are smitten with one another, and this weekend was quite emotional for Laura. Tonight Ryan enjoyed, and sometimes less than enjoyed, his first bottle feeding. It was a smashing success, and a good time was had by all.

Daddy loves Ryan, but Daddy also needs to lose about ten or seventy pounds. Good golly, I've got to stop using doughnuts as bread!

Lots to update on the Southwest Volusia real property scene. I think we've finally got this product sold, and now the owner is in hyperdrive to find a new home to purchase. Just the way I like 'em... highly motivated, and slightly agitated.

By the time you read this entry, this home in Long Leaf Plantation will be under contract. I previewed it for a buyer who will not be able to move on it or anything else before the end of the month, and am telling the world that it's worth every penny of $189,900, if nothing else for the location. Long Leaf continues to be such a desirable spot because of the oversized (1/2 to 3/4 acre)lots. This offering on Torchwood has been available for quite some time, and though the price is a bit ambitious... the location and lot make it quite fetching.

Arvida is moving more product than a pickpocket during a power outage. Here's a home that will garner massive interest, and may even achieve its astronomical asking price. Compare that to the value that I'm representing a mere mile away off of South Spring Garden Road.

Ah, not a legit comparison. You're buying completely different lifestyles... but it doesn't make Pressly Circle any less of a deal.

Want to spend a mere pittance to get into Victoria Park? Here's your chance. Only two beds, but I'm certain it will continue to appreciate in value and it's a great vacation home.

Fresh to the market, and completely unique, is this historical property just minutes from the St. Johns River. If mere minutes to the St. Johns is still too much for you, then grabbing a mansion right at the mouth of the river is paramount on your "things to do" list.

I'm starting to get a bit obsessive about this particular exclusive home, but darnit... it's starting to be a good deal. With all of the custom stuff going up right next door(and by "right next door" I mean literally separated by a wooden fence,)the opportunity is there to garner ten superb acres and a striking home for a comparable price to the TO BE BUILTS.

What do I know? I buy my cologne at a gas station.

Hope everyone's weekend was this good.

Love you, boy.

Posted by: Paul @ 12:59 AM