After sitting through eight hours of Continuing Education class, I needed to stretch my legs. The perfect place to do that was at Flowood's Nature Trail. The nature trail adjoins Winners Circle Park and is a peaceful, beautiful trail suitable for walking, jogging, or dog-walking. Flowood Nature Trail has picnic tables, several small pavilions, and pavilions for rent for parties, weddings, or other events. The park is open daylight til dark. Contact City Hall for park information. 05/25/2017

A neighbor stopped by to comment about the Canadian Geese that have taken residency in our neighborhood. Since we have fresh water and green spaces, they seem to like it here.If you've never lived with waterfowl, you don't truly appreciate how nasty they can be. Sure, they are fun to feed and interesting to watch, but have you ever noticed how much POOP they produce?According to an article I read, one goose can consume up to four pounds of grass a day and poop up to two pounds of droppings. Since geese mate for life, two plus two will soon equal a gaggle of geese! A safe estimate would be that we are home to over 200 geese.While researching how to relocate the geese, I visited the MS Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks website.  An article suggested loud noises, bright lights, barking dogs, an... 05/20/2017

It may surprise you to know that Mississippi has alligators. This gator was spotted literally in my back yard at the Castlewoods Country Club. Golf courses like to keep alligators on the property because they eat snakes. Residents enjoy seeing them, but some are naturally spooked due to their proximity to residential areas.  If a gator becomes a nuisance, the MS Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks will come capture the big boy. NEVER approach an alligator and DO NOT feed the wildlife.     05/03/2017

The City of Flowood knows how to put on a party! This Saturday, May 21, 2016 is the date for one of the largest FREE events in the metro Jackson area, the Flowood Family Festival. The Festival will be at Liberty Park, (behind the Flowood YMCA on Liberty Road), and gates open at 4:00 p.m. This year the festival is merging with the Flowood Arts & Crafts Fair, which will be located on one of the softball fields. Locals will remember the Arts & Crafts Fair was at Market Street for a number of years.  The festival will feature space jumps, pony & train rides and a petting zoo for the kids, and food, music, and shopping for adults. Crowds are expected to reach 10,000 attendees!  Headlining the festivities at 8:00 p.m. is Josh Turner, an award winning country music artist. The video highlights... 05/20/2016

Spring is here and it's time to get outdoors. Many of us are ready for Spring Cleaning, and that includes the exterior of our homes.While we were indoors this winter, the elements played havoc with our homes' exteriors. Here are 10 things you can do to enhance the value of your home and add curb appeal: Pressure wash the exterior. Clean the soffits and fascias, sidewalks and driveways, porches and decks. The house will sparkle, and you may extend the life of your paint job. Paint the exterior of your home if needed, and replace any rotten wood. Seal and caulk around windows and doors. Clean the gutters. Not only should gutters be free of leaves, pine straw and other debris, they should be washed to remove mildew and grime. Freshen up those flower beds! As a flower lover, I have many blo... 03/14/2016

If you have mold (or conditions conducive to mold) , it should be eliminated as soon as it's detected. Most mold comes from moisture damage from a broken water pipe, a leaky roof, or flood, but it can also grow from high humidity aka dampness. Although I'm not a mold expert, I have encountered mold on several occasions. If mold is confined to a small area, it's possible to clean the surface, extract the moisture, prime and paint, and be good to go. If mold is severe and widespread, you will need to remove the damaged sheetrock, scrub and treat the studs, and replace with new sheetrock.I recently closed on a house that had an unfortunate encounter with a ruptured water heater. The water damage was ignored for several weeks and the result was a nasty case of mold on - and IN -the walls. T... 03/14/2016

While taking a shortcut recently trying to avoid road construction, I came across this partially painted water tower. I couldn't decide what it resembled more -  some sort of space ship or a Big Green Egg. It could also pass as an amusement ride at the state fair.What do you think it looks like? This water tower is located just off Lakeland Drive (Highway 25 North) in Flowood.  Wordless Wednesday - The Martians Are Coming!  03/08/2016

It's time for the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway! Each year, tickets are sold in the Metro Jackson area to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. A $100 purchase gives you a chance to win a $500,000 home. This years Dream Home, a four bedroom, 3300 square foot home built by Deep South Custom Homes, is located at 121 Indian Creek Boulevard, Flowood, MS. Here are directions to the house. You can tour the home on Saturdays & Sundays, beginning March 5 though April 10. The winner will be drawn on April 17.In addition to the Dream Home, a $10,000 shopping spree sponsored by Ross Furniture, along with other prizes, will also be given away. You can register for FREE for the shopping spree when you view the St. Jude home.St. Jude was founded by Danny Thomas and is located i... 01/29/2016

A few days ago I alluded to the fact that I might be moving, and that's still a strong possibility. I placed a bid on a house and am awaiting the banks' response. With the likelihood of a move in my future, it means I have to get off my duff and take care of any deferred maintenance on my current home, eliminate clutter in preparation of showing this home, while having less stuff to move.Every day for the last few days, I've been preparing myself mentally, physically and emotionally to get ready. Yes, even Realtors can be procrastinators when it's time for a move. Think of a plumber with leaky pipes, or an electrician who has faulty lighting. Do as we SAY, not as we DO!It's better to eat an elephant one bite a time, instead of trying to gobble the beast in a day. So each day I'm focusin... 01/24/2016

Buying your first home can be exhilarating, but negotiating the contract and subsequent repairs can be, well, nerve-wracking at times.My clients made an offer a couple of weeks ago on a home. Several days of back and forth with the seller ensued before we had an accepted contract. The home inspection was performed earlier in the week, which revealed a list of repairs that, again, had to be negotiated.You never know if the seller will agree to all the repairs or if the buyer will have to either step up or walk away.Down to the wire on the allotted time frame for negotiating repairs, the call we have been waiting for came in very near the deadline. . . The seller agreed to pay for all the necessary repairs.Knowing the buyer had been on pins and needles most of the day, my message to her w... 12/10/2015

The City of Flowood KNOWS how to create a magical Winter Wonderland.From now until December 22, visitors can tour the grounds at Winner's Circle Park and enjoy a spectacular display of Christmas lights. Children can visit Santa and ride the train ($2 per train ride) between 5:30 - 8:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.A lighting ceremony and Chili Cook-Off was sponsored by the Flowood Chamber on December 3rd to kick off the holiday season. Over 300 residents were in attendance.In addition to Santa's sleigh and reindeer, the park comes alive with the twinkling nature arbors and free standing displays. A "Trail of Trees" is sponsored by area businesses.Winner's Circle Park is located north of Dogwood Festival Market, at the intersection of Flowood Drive and Old Fannin Road. The park is home to a sta... 12/07/2015

What Happens to the Earnest Money I Submitted with my Offer? Is the check cashed? Where does the money go? Do I get it back at closing?These are valid questions that buyers ask when purchasing a new home. Where DOES the earnest money go?Earnest money is offered to show the seller you are a SERIOUS buyer. You have "put your money where your mouth is", so to speak. In the Brandon Mississippi market, it is customary for the SELLING BROKER to maintain the EARNEST MONEY funds. State law dictates the EM must be deposited into the Broker's Trust Account by the close of business day following the complete execution of the contract, unless other arrangements have been made. Your funds should be readily available.  WHAT IF you won't have the earnest money until payday? Can your Realtor hold your ... 11/16/2015

Looking for something fun to do during the month of November? Here's a peek at some of the activities going on in the Flowood-Brandon-Jackson area.   November 5 - Fondren's First Thursday - Downtown Fondren November 5-7 - Mistletoe Marketplace - Mississippi Trademart November 11 - Harvest Festival - MS Ag Museum November 14 - Barnett Reservoir Foundation 2nd Annual Arts & Crafts Fair - Lakeshore Park9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Shop local artisans and crafters with handmade woodworking,mosaics, painting, knitting, and of course, Christmas gifts.(I attended last year and had a blast!)Attendance is FREE!  November 14 - Florence Day November 26 - Thanksgiving  Take the time to enjoy the Thanksgiving season. We have much to be grateful for.8 Great Benefits of Gratitude  Image courtesy of nongpimmy... 11/04/2015

Halloween 2015 is now in the history books, and it was an enjoyable one, both in reality and on-line with my ActiveRain friends. It was fun reading the posts from fellow bloggers about how you celebrate the season.Since the weather man predicted a deluge of rain on Halloween, most cities and neighboring subdivisions in my region declared Halloween would instead be observed on Friday, in hopes of avoiding the rain.It was a good call. Thousands came out in droves to Liberty Park in Flowood and local subdivisions to Trick-or-Treat. There were old-fashioned hayrides, and golf carts, and wagons, and people on foot going door to door.I feel fortunate that my youngest granddaughter was able to spend the evening with me so we could visit the neighborhood Haunted House and gather candy. She held... 11/01/2015

The highway expansion of Lakeland Drive from four lanes to six lanes is a “Good News – Bad News” type of story. Anyone who travels Highway 25 North knows there is a lot of traffic congestion, especially during rush hour.That’s about to change, and the end result will be a six lane highway between Airport Road (Highway 475) and Grants Ferry Road at Castlewoods.That’s great news!The bad news? Construction will take two years and nearly $40 million to complete. Reservoir residents and commuters can expect delays on this five mile stretch of highway. MDOT states that lane closures will be restricted during rush hour, this according to Transportation Commissioner Dick Hall. My personal recommendation? Take an alternate route if possible. Manship, Hugh Ward, Flowood Drive, or Old Fannin Road ... 10/08/2015

It seems silly, but can buying a home be compared to shopping for shoes? My reliable sandals have served me well this summer. Showing houses day after day requires comfortable shoes. Shoes that can handle the brutal heat of a Mississippi summer, and be comfortable enough for walking construction sites and climbing stairs. Being a lady "of a certain age", I also require a lower heel. Combine these prerequisites and you will find me relishing the flats of summer.But Summer of 2015 has come to an end, and the sandals must be retired. Today I went in search of appropriate shoes to carry me into fall and winter.Did you know there are a LOT of ugly shoes out there? If I saw a cute shoe, I knew the heel would not function. In the store, the four inch stilettos were at eye-level, but the "comfy... 09/28/2015

This post was inspired by Belinda Spillman's post, Advice for Sellers - They are looking Behind Every Door. Belinda's article advises sellers to de-clutter and organize when putting ones' house on the market, because buyers open cabinets and pantry doors to see how much space is available. Her advice is spot on and highly recommended reading.One of Belinda's comments inspired me to take the post in a different direction. You may not recognize yourself as someone who needs to de-clutter. But if you plan to put your home on the market and hope to gain top dollar, I hope you enjoy this tongue-in-cheek comparison to Jeff Foxworthy's "You Might Be a Redneck..." YOU MIGHT BE A PACK RAT IF: You cannot park in the garage. Whether it's furniture, or boxes of household goods, or a myriad of other... 09/07/2015

CARA's 8th Annual Dog Days of Summer ~ Pelahatchie Shore Park Our local CARA (Community Animal Rescue and Adoption, Inc.) will host the 8th Annual Dog Days of Summer Saturday, August 29th, from 10:00am to 3:00pm at Pelahatchie Shore Park at the Reservoir!  This is CARA's largest event of the year. There will be live music, a silent auction, children's carnival ($5.00) with a Petting Zoo and much more.Arts and Crafts lovers, there will be something for you, too!Hamburgers, chicken and hot dogs will be available from Outback Steakhouse, and a couple of radio stations will be broadcasting live from Pelahatchie Park.      Bring an extra $20 and take home your very own Tie-Dye T-Shirt!  CARA is a true no-kill shelter located in Jackson. Please come out and support them in supporting unwanted... 08/21/2015

Movie Night is Tuesday, July 14th, at Flowood's Winners Circle Park The City of Flowood, in conjunction with the Flowood Chamber of Commerce and C-Spire, is hosting Movies-N-Moonlight Tuesday, July 14th at Winners Circle Park. C-Spire is providing snacks and drinks. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy this FREE event. The gates open at 6:30 and The LEGO Movie starts at dusk.  07/09/2015

Half Shell Oyster House is expanding to Flowood MS. The specialty seafood restaurant has locations in Biloxi, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Mobile, and one in Florida. The restaurant features a New Orleans French Quarter inspired decor, complete with copper top bars, wrought iron details, ornate chandeliers, stained glass, and reclaimed windows, doors, and shutters.In addition to oysters and seafood, Half Shell will offer a variety of menu items, including chicken, steak, burgers, and po-boys.Half Shell Oyster House will be located at 115 Laurel Cove, near Dogwood Mall in the building that houses the Flowood Chamber of Commerce.The restaurant's opening is planned for late August, 2015.  07/04/2015