David's Blog from the Creative Coast & Carolina Low Country!

EXPERTS AGREE IT IS TIME TO BUY IN GEORGIA, MANY INCENTIVES!

The article below appeared in the Savannah Morning News, it gives a short run down on the real estate market in the Savannah area. I will tell you that I have put 4 homes under contract since May 1 and expect at least three more contracts by the end of June. What I have run into is multiple offers on great home deals through out Savannah, Wilmington Island and Pooler. What does that mean for you? Is that some of the once in a lifetime deals are now becoming scarce. There is a great opportunity, but you need to be closed by November 30, that gives you less than five months to put a house under contract. It's time to get off the Fence. If you have any questions, please contact me at 843-338-9087 or 912-236-1000. No matter your area or your price ceiling I can help.

David

TIME TO GET OFF THE HOMEBUYING FENCE

by Arlinda Smith Broady

Anyone contemplating buying a house should turn that notion into activity, says the Georgia Association of Realtors.

The organization, made up of real estate agents throughout the state, is concerned that people who really want a house, qualify for a loan and have money saved are letting fear get in the way of fulfilling their American Dream.

"Buyers with good credit, a steady income and a realistic view of what they can afford are excellent candidates for a mortgage, even in our current market," said Molly Bridges, president of the Savannah Board of Realtors.

That's why the state Realtors association has launched its "Get Off the Fence" campaign to target potential homebuyers.

"These incredible interest rates won't last forever," said Steven Fischer, president of the Georgia Association of Realtors. "When the market comes back around - and it will, it always does - the consumers who got off the fence during this time will be so glad they did as they watch the value of their home rise with the lowest interest rates we've seen in over 50 years."

Tonja Hathaway, a loan officer with New South Federal Savings Bank, agreed.

"The market is shifting aggressively," she said. "Interest rates won't stay under 5? percent for long. I'd expect rates to increase anywhere from a percent to a percent and a half in the next eight months or so."

Her predictions have already proved true.

Mortgage rates rose this week to their highest levels in seven months as the average rate on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages moved further above 5 percent, according to Freddie Mac's weekly survey of mortgage rates.

Mortgage rates had fallen in recent months as providers tried to entice buyers amid the housing market downturn.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.59 percent for the week ended Thursday, up from last week's 5.29 percent but down from 6.32 percent a year ago.

Low interest rates are among the main elements driving the buyer's market, which opens up a lot of options for homebuyers.

"In purchasing a new home, the historically low interest rates can lead to a lowered payment or a bigger home - it's your choice," Fischer said.

Contrary to perceptions, he said, conventional mortgages with competitive interest rates are still available.

Confessions of a fence straddler

Recent homebuyer Matt Hecht has first-hand experience on how timing is everything. He and his girlfriend, Jordan McCullough, spent nearly two years searching for the perfect house.

The young twenty-somethings began their search in the summer of 2007 with specific criteria: a fixer-upper, near the water, with plenty of room for their menagerie of critters.

They didn't think their standards were that unusual, but after four months of looking at close to 40 properties, they gave up and rented a house in Ardsley Park.

"The housing bubble in Florida had started to burst, and we wanted to be cautious," Hecht said.

Friends and family warned against getting into a house they didn't really like or couldn't afford. They kept up with real estate news and watched the market.

Last summer they decided to get back into the fray. This time they went with an agent who, they discovered, wouldn't just sell them a house. She looked out for their best interests.

"They had gotten into a bind with someone who didn't really explain the process to them and were grateful that I took the time to outline what a purchase and sale agreement really means and other important details when you're buying a house," said Jinan Cole, an agent with Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners.

Hecht and McCullough appreciated the way she took her time with them and decided to enlist her help in their search.

They took more than a year and looked at close to 50 houses until they found one that fit their needs. After a relatively painless negotiation, the couple closed on their new home in April.

"The moral to this story is that a client/Realtor relationship is based on trust, loyalty and perserverence," Cole said. "Sometimes it takes a while to get to the right house, and sometimes it takes a while to get to the right Realtor."

Fickle Fannie's folly

Making sure you have an agent who's committed to your best interests is key, said Sandy McCloud, a Realtor with Century 21 Fox Properties.

"Many people set out on their own looking for a house, but using a trained professional often helps you get a better deal and can assist when snags arise," McCloud said.

She recently helped a couple who had problems with a government agency when buying a house.

Sgt. Miguel Rodriguez had just gotten back from Iraq and was looking to buy a house before his next tour.

He enlisted McCloud's help in February. They found a Fannie Mae foreclosure that he loved.

A week prior to closing, McCloud received a "terse" e-mail via the listing agent from Fannie Mae's closing company stating that the property was listed in the wrong county. It had to be taken off the market and go through the foreclosure process again.

After investigation, McCloud found that it could take months before she would know if the home was going to re-list.

"We were devastated," Rodriguez said. "The house had a big yard, the price was right, and we didn't have time to wait on government red tape."

The Rodriguez family's lease was up at their apartment, and they needed a place to live. To add to their problems, the process of getting the appraisal, inspection and title work had cost more than $900 and Fannie Mae wasn't willing to reimburse Rodriguez for their mistake.

Fannie Mae initially said they were sorry but did not feel responsible because it's a "buyer beware, as is situation in foreclosures."

McCloud contacted U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston's office, and Fannie changed her tune and paid the expenses for a new house for Rodriguez.

"We found him another house and were able to close quickly," McCloud said. "He and his wife are very glad they used a buyer agent to help in this process, especially since there were many issues that arose that they would never have expected."

---

Why buy a home now?

New Tax Credit Available

A tax credit of up to $1,800 is available to purchasers of an eligible single-family residence in Georgia for homes purchased by Nov. 30.

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides an $8,000 tax credit to eligible first-time homebuyers. The credit does not require repayment, and it will be claimed on a tax return to reduce the purchaser's income-tax liability. If any credit amount remains unused, the unused amount will be refunded as a check to the purchaser.

Unprecedented Incentives for New Homes

Builders are offering unprecedented incentives for new homes, such as flooring upgrades, new appliances and discounted financing.

Buyer's Market

Buyers who are pre-approved have incredible negotiating power. Financing options are available for those with a steady income and good credit. Sellers are pricing their homes more competitively.

Lower prices also mean a wider range of options from which to choose in a variety of locations.

Historically Low Interest Rates

Interest rates are at historic lows; lower rates equal lower payments or a larger home - you choose. Contrary to perceptions, conventional mortgages are available at favorable interest rates. Buyers with good credit, a steady income and a realistic view of what they can afford are excellent candidates for a mortgage, even in this market.

Building Wealth with Homeownership

Historically, homes are a solid long-term investment. For the past 40 years, real estate has delivered the most consistent positive return over any investment. When you buy a home, you are building equity and adding to your assets. According to the Federal Reserve Board, the average renter's net worth is $4,800, while the average homeowner's net worth is $171,000.

Source: Georgia Association of Realtors

Mortgage loan options

Loan agents suggest homebuyers talk with lenders about their options. Here are just a few:

USDA Rural Development

This is a 103 percent conservative, government-backed loan. It has restrictions on income and on the location of the property in relation to Interstate 95.

Veterans Administration

Obviously you have to be a veteran to qualify, but this loan offers a great way for buyers to get in and to pay off other debt. It's the only loan that allows a seller to contribute to pay down a buyer's debt to help them qualify for a loan.

Federal Housing Authority

This is a popular loan for first-time buyers and those who don't have a lot of money to put down. You only have to put down 3.5 percent in many instances because sellers are allowed to contribute up to 6 percent toward closing costs.

PEN HomeOwn program

The PEN program is backed by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to assist Georgians who work as police officers, educators or nurses. However, anyone working in those fields, even if they're working in the kitchen of a nursing home or as an emergency dispatcher for ambulance drivers, could potentially qualify.

The loan is designed to provide down-payment assistance. Eligible borrowers may borrow $7,500 at 0 percent interest to use toward down payment, closing costs and other loan-related expenses while contributing only 1 percent of the sales price to the purchase.

400 Year Old Coptic Bible to be Sold at Auction

As part of our June 14 Sunday Auction, Bull Street Auctions, located at 2819 Bull Street in Savannah, Ga. will be auctioning 4 Coptic Bibles, the oldest of which is nearly 400 years old. The Coptic religion originated in Egypt and in other parts of the Mid East. Through time and history the religion spread to Africa and Ethiopia.

       These Coptic Bible s are written in the GEEZ language. The GEEZ language dates back to the time of King Solomon. It is one of oldest forms of Semitic Languages and represents the Old Arabic Semitic language spoken by the Biblical Queen of Sheba (King Solomon Era), and was also known as “Himyarite Language” .

Now a “dead language”, this historical language is only spoken in some Coptic African Christian institutions and the Coptic Orthodox Yemenite minority.

These Coptic Bibles are Handwritten in the Himyarite language on vellum (calf or goat skin) with bold black and red ink. The red ink is usually reserved for the name of God or Saints.

Three of the Bibles are complete, while one appears to have pages missing. Two of the Bibles has its original leather case.

The oldest and most valuable is covered in its original tribal woven cover and has several hand painted Coptic Iconic Art panels. This Bible has been estimated to value $2,000 to $3,000

       For More Information call 443-9353

        

Savannah has a stake in the fight between Wal Mart and The Wilderness Civil War Battlefield in Virginia

As you read this blog, there is controversy surrounding a Civil War battlefield that is located just west of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Wal Mart is trying to build a new Super Center directly across from The Wilderness Battlefield. How does this concern Savannah? In early May of 1864, Savannahian Lieutenant Colonel G. Moxley Sorrel, who grew up in the 'pumpkin colored house' on Madison Square led a counterattack against the Union Second Corps on May 6th. Others from Savannah also participated in the fight, the Oglethorpe Light Infantry marched into The Wilderness with the 8th Georgia Infantry. This development will also infringe on the nearby Chancellorsville Battlefield, where General Stonewall Jackson was mortally wounded by his own men in May 1863.

This area saw four major battles during the Civil War; Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, The Wilderness and Spotsylvania. In essence, over 100,000 Americans were killed here between December 1862 and May 1864. This area is some of America's most 'Hallowed Ground."

I first visited this area in the Summer of 1979 with my family; we toured the four battlefields around Fredericksburg. I remember going through The Wilderness and thinking that there was nothing there compared to other battlefields, such as; Gettysburg, Antietam and Fredericksburg. It was all overgrown, with limited markers, monuments and cannons. It looked like a forest. This area is in my sights for a future book in 2010.

Currently, the Vermont Legislature is fighting to preserve the ground that Wal Mart intends to build on. The site is currently occupied by a monument to Vermont soldiers that served here. Congressmen Peter Welch of Vermont and Ted Poe of Texas are leading the Congressional fight against Wal Mart's expansion into an area that already has 5 Wal Marts. Vermont troops had occupied the ground that Wal Mart wants and the Texas Brigade prevented a breakthrough by Hancock's Second Corps on the morning of May 6th. Preservationists have gathered an army of over 250 historians; including David McCollough, Ken Burns, James McPherson, William C. Davis, Gary Gallagher and actor Robert Duvall have all weighed in against the intrusion on The Wilderness.

Wal Mart figures to bring in over 200 jobs to Orange County in their building of a 140,000 square foot structure. Everybody wants the jobs, but the opposition would like them to look elsewhere in Orange County.

How would a Wal Mart upset the landscape of The Wilderness Battlefield? The fighting at The Wilderness is unique and more horrifying the most Civil War battles. It was full of dense vegetation, narrow roads and dry foliage. The troops fought at close quarters, artillery and rifle fire started fires. These fires engulfed the wounded on both sides, the high and hot flames would not allow rescue from this man made hell. This is sacred ground, Congress was protected as part of the Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania Battlefield in 1927. Over 29,000 were killed at The Wilderness.

What happened at The Wilderness? It was the first meeting between Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant during the war. Lincoln brought Grant east to destroy Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, Grant's force numbered 110,000 and Lee had a force of 61,000. Lee positioned his army to react to Grant's initial movements, Grant started to move through The Wilderness. This gave Lee an opportunity to deliver a similar blow to Grant that he had inflicted on Hooker the year before at Chanchellorsville, 5 miles from The Wilderness.

The Confederates figured the dense vegetation and narrow roads would equalize Grant's superior numbers. Artillery was only  able to deploy in the middle of the roads and there could be no movements of large forces of infantry. Lee wanted to catch Grant off balance, so he struck on his flank on May 5th. Grant was able to maintain his composure and had Hancock counter attack the next day. This attack almost destroyed Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, but Longstreet's Texans arrived to check the attack. They suffered over 60 per cent casualties. Longstreet ordered Sorrel to attack the over extended Union Second Corps and he drove them back three miles. They almost destroyed the Army of the Potomac, but lack of support and Longstreet's wounding stalled the attack.

The difference at The Wilderness was that Grant was given a bloody nose, but did not retreat like previous army commanders. He continued South, employing a bloody war of attrition that would force Lee to surrender 11 months later.

On May 21, Orange County officials met with representatives from Wal Mart and The Wilderness Preservation Group to decide on how to proceed. After four hours of debate, they tabled the decision to June 11. If you are interested in helping protect the battlefield, contact your local congressional delegate or visit the Civil War Preservation website, http://www.civilwar.org/

Scots end Spanish Raids against Savannah & the South Carolina Low Country

This is my so called teaser, leading up to a blog on this weekend's Scottish Games at Bethesda, I thought it would be fun too see how the Scot's history began in the Carolina Low Country and Georgia's Creative Coast.

 

SCOTS RECRUITED TO GEORGIA TO PROTECT FROM SPANISH INCURSIONS 

  By the early Eighteenth Century, the “Crown Colony” of the British Empire was the colony of South Carolina. Numerous Yemassee and Spanish raids had taken its toll on the lands north of the Savannah River. Finally in 1732, it was decided that English would establish a permanent settlement south of the Savannah River. The expedition was led by General James Oglethorpe, he chose a bluff fifteen miles west of the Atlantic Ocean, on a forty foot bluff along the south bank of the Savannah River in February of 1733. The settlement was named Savannah. The new colony was named Georgia; it was designed to help prevent raids into South Carolina by maintaining a strong British military presence in an effort to keep the Spanish and the French in check.

     Initially, the Georgia colony relied on support from the governor of South Carolina. Oglethorpe would soon invite many from Europe who wanted to relocate in an effort to practice the religion of their choice. Catholics were not allowed because of the feared religious connection between the Spanish and the French. After the first few years, Oglethorpe was focused on keeping Savannah alive; he soon recruited Scottish Highlanders to help protect Georgia.

    The Scots first arrived in Georgia in January 1736; they were recruited by Oglethorpe to help protect the new settlements and the colony of South Carolina. Georgia was threatened by the Spanish in Florida and by the French in Alabama. The Scots numbered one hundred and seventy seven when they arrived on the Prince of Wales; they settled Darien, about fifty miles south of Savannah. These settlers originated from the Highlands, near Inverness. Their travel expenses were paid by the Trustees of Georgia, the governing board of the colony.

    The Scots soon built Fort Argyle, near the present site of Fort Stewart; its construction consisted of a moat and a stockade. It was active until 1746. They soon constructed additional forts to expand the British defensive perimeter.

    In 1736, Highland Scots occupied the former site of Fort King George, it had been abandoned 1727 and had been the southern most point of the British Empire. The Scot presence was mostly for defensive purposes, for they were regarded as some of the best soldiers in Europe. Oglethorpe had decided to abandon the site to appease the Spanish who were becoming very uneasy with the increase of British troops in the area; both nations agreed that the Altamaha River would serve as boundary between Spanish Florida and British North America. The Scots later constructed Fort Darien on a bluff on the Altamaha River. Within the first month of their arrival, they had constructed a battery of four cannons, built a guardhouse, a store house and a chapel. The nearby town they settled was New Inverness, later Darien. The main clans that settled this area were the McIntosh, McDonald and Cuthbert. They were led by George Dunbar and Hugh Mackay.

    The Scots soon constructed satellite fortifications; Forts St. Andrews and William on Cumberland Island, Forts Frederica and St. Simons on St. Simons Island and Fort St. George on the St. John’s River. The Spanish for the most part were not concerned about these outposts on the islands; most likely they believed they could be easily overrun.  Oglethorpe divided the Scots into two units, the Highland Independent Company of Foot and the Highland Rangers, a mounted force. Additional settlers arrived in 1737 to reinforce Darien. Other forts were constructed along the Chattahoochee River to guard against French raids.

    Fort Frederica was built in 1738 and soon became one of the strongest military posts in British North America; it anchored the strong defensive scheme that protected Savannah. Oglethorpe had garrisoned 600 troops here; this strong presence would later help provoke the Spanish to attack into Georgia in 1742.

    The Scots made their living by raising cattle and selling timber to Savannah. In 1739, they petitioned the Trustees not to allow the use of slaves in Georgia; they were successful, for the first slaves did not arrive until 1749. Timber would be a main source of revenue until 1925.

    War broke out between Great Britain and Spain in 1739, the War of Jenkins Ear, a commercial war over trading areas in the Caribbean and the southeast American coast. Since 1731, there had been some undeclared hostile actions on the high seas by their respective navies. This war would later expand into a world war, the War of Austrian Succession. Spain’s objective was to drive the British from Georgia.

    In November 1739, two Scotts who garrisoned Amelia Island were ambushed and killed, this led the British to assault St. Augustine in the summer of 1740, but a Scottish force from Darien had been defeated at Fort Mose, north of St. Augustine. This defeat forced Oglethorpe to abandon his siege against the Spanish stronghold. The Spanish lost their initiative by hesitating for two years, thus allowing Oglethorpe to regroup and prepare his fortifications.

    In July 1742, Manuel de Montiano landed with about 3,000 Spanish troops at St. Simons Island; they were supported by 50 ships. The Spanish invasion was a concentrated effort with forces drawn from St. Augustine and Havana. Their mission was to drive the English out of Georgia permanently. They easily overwhelmed the garrison at Fort St. Simons on July 5. Two days later, Spanish troops reconnoitered with a force of 300 along the narrow road between Fort St. Simons and Fort Frederica which led to contact with the British forces at Gully Hole Creek.

Battle of Gully Hole Creek, July 7, 1742

    This was first significant action on St. Simons Island, the Highland Independent Company and the Highland Rangers attacked a Spanish force of about 100 soldiers, after an hour of heavy fighting, mostly hand-to-hand, twelve Spaniards were dead and ten were prisoners of war, only one Highlander had died, it was from heat exhaustion. The Scots pursued the Spanish for two miles and Oglethorpe placed the 42^nd Regiment and Mackay’s Highlanders along the edge of a marsh, while he gathered additional troops from Fort Frederica.

Battle of Bloody Marsh, July 7, 1742

    Montiano sent a relief force forward to cover the Spanish withdrawal from Gully Hole Creek, but they were ambushed by the British forces in the marsh and some of the invaders were taken prisoner. The Spanish returned with a volley and many of the British retreated. Oglethorpe soon arrived with reinforcements, the Spanish kept up their fire until their ammunition had been expelled and then retreated. They left seven dead and some prisoners, the prisoners surrendered valuable information about the size of the Spanish invasion force.

    The Spanish remained in the area for another seven days and scouted up the Frederica River, Oglethorpe sent a message, through a released prisoner, that he hoped would be intercepted by the Spanish, which suggested additional English reinforcements were on their way. The appearance of scout ships from Charleston convinced Montiano that the disinformation was real; he ordered the firing of Fort St. Simons and withdrew, never too invade Georgia again. The Spanish feared envelopment by a percepted larger British force, but they had outnumbered the defenders greatly. If the Montiano had been successful, Georgia would have been known as Guale, Spanish for Georgia.

Daufuskie Island, a pivotal point of the Revolutionary War in the South

The Revolutionary War broke out in New England in 1775, but after four years of war, the British focused their strategy on the Southern colonies, Georgia and South Carolina. Savannah was captured by the British on December 29, 1778, a force of 3,000; including British Regulars, German Hessians and New York Loyalists surprised an American force of 900.

With the American victory at Saratoga in October 1777, the French and Spanish governments recognized the rebelling American colonies. They pledged their support; troops, weapons, uniforms, monies and the use of their navies. It took almost a year, before the French support arrived.

It was decided by the French and American military to recapture Savannah, this operation commenced in August of 1779. The French fleet was available for operations in the area because of hurricane season in the Caribbean. The fleet took up a position between Daufuskie and Tybee Islands in effort to cut off British access to the Atlantic Ocean. Meanwhile, American guerrilla raids in the South Carolina Low Country, cut off of British supplies and outposts.

The British high command decided to consolidate all of their forces, for a American and French army numbering of about 7,000 landed east of Savannah on September 1, 1779. The British force in Savannah numbered around 2,500. British troops in South Carolina, numbering 800, from Johns and Edisto Islands were ordered to join the force in Savannah.

This force traveled with their equipment in long boats towards Savannah, they were caught in the high surf at Tybee Roads, located between Tybee and Daufuskie Islands, plus the French fleet that was moving up to intercept. The British force retired to Calibogue Sound while battling tides, wind and the French fleet. The British troops were forced to abandon their equipment near the present day site of the Bloody Point Cemetery on Daufuskie Island. These troops armed with their muskets made their way to Savannah by rowing and marching along the many creeks towards Screven's Ferry, on the South Carolina side of the present day Talmadge Bridge. This was regarded as the greatest forced march of the American Revolution. These troops were able to join the defenders in Savannah.

The Americans and French, surrounded Savannah on three sides and were not able to completely cut them off after 40 days of siege. The Allies attacked the British on October 9, 1779 with heavy losses and were unable to recapture Savannah. Savannah was retained by the British until 1782 and is considered to be one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolution.

Daufuskie would see more action in 1781, Philip Martinangel, a Daufuskie Island loyalist, burned a plantation and ambushed a rebel force on Hilton Head Island. The site of the ambush is near my Hilton Head Real Estate office, the intersection of Matthews Drive and US 278. Loyalist and rebels had been fighting amongst each other in South Carolina since the Revolution began. The motion picture, The Patriot, scratches the surface of this civil war that tested the loyalties of the South Carolina colonists during the war.

The Patriots from Hilton Head vowed revenge, they formed the Bloody Legion. This unit soon landed on Daufuskie Island and burned loyalist plantations. They soon captured and executed Martinangel. This final action  was one the last battles of the American Revolution.

Debut Auction of Works of Local Artist May 3rd

           

Bull Street Auctions to Auction Works of Local Artist: Augustus I Riedel

Bull Street Auctions is Proud to announced that is has been commissioned to conduct
the first public sale of the works of Savannah Artist: Augustus I Riedel.In all 7 of
Mr. Riedel's original paintings will be sold to the highest bidder on Sunday, May 3, 2009.

The items will be part of Bull Street Auctions regularly scheduled auction. The auction begins promptly at 1pm. Preview times for the May 3rd auction are Saturday, May 2nd 11am-3pm and Sunday, May 3rd 11am-2pm. Bull Street Auctions is located at 2819 Bull street; behind Maggies' Antique Mall. Photos of the paintings to be sold can be viewed at www.bullstreetauctions.com. Known as

“Gus” to his friends, Mr. Riedel served as the Paint Shop Foreman for he Central Georgia Railroad during the first part of the 20th century..He was responsible for the creation of the color scheme for the logos for the trains: Nancy Hanks II and Man of War..During his spare time he was a painter and furniture maker...His paintings were part of an exhibit at the Telfair Art Museum during the in 1921. Mr. Riedel continued his painting through the 1950s. Mr. Riedel primarily painted using water colors or pen and ink. He skills in silk screening were also well documented. His primary subject matter included: coastal scenes, scenes of old downtown Savannah, trains and paintings of African Americans.

Upon his death his works stayed in the family and were never sold until only a few years ago. A collection of his works were sold to 3 separate art dealers. We are pleased to offer to the public the first opportunity to own a true part of: Savannah, Georgia and American Art History.

The paintings to be sold at auction include:
“Broughton Street”: 1921
“School Days”: “Valona by the Sea”: A wonderful study of shrimp boats mored in river and marsh
“Midway Church": a great depiction of a historically famous church
“Sunlight and Green: A study of light and color
“Marble Yard on West Broad”:Interpretation of Marble engraving Shop
“Garage Such As It Is”: A depiction of a private garage/Pen and Ink

“Gus” Began his love affair with painting while serving as an apprentice in the Paint Shop of the Central Georgia Railroad. He By 1916 he was promoted to Assistant paint Shop Foreman, and served in that position until 1945. During a 3 year period, Riedel Earned a degree from the School of Applied Arts located in Battle Creek Michigan. In addition to his contributions related to the Nancy Hanks II and man of War, he was responsible the painting of landscape scenes used for the murals inside the Railroad's
passenger cars.

His Estate included 140 paintings that he had painted from the 1920s through the 1960s. As a member of the Savannah Art Club, a showing of his works and those of fellow artists were conducted at the Telfair Museum from March 15-29 in 1921.

For further information regarding the sale of Mr. Riedel's Artwork or any questions regarding
Consignments or Estate Liquidations call Craig or Lisa Arcos 443-9353

Savannah Garden Exposition this Weekend!

This weekend is the famous Savannah Garden Exposition. Although my company was invited to be an Exhibitor, I have never attended the event, but it's intrigue is great. It is hosted at the Roundhouse Railroad Museum (http://www.chsgeorgia.org/roundhouse/home.htm), a totally cool venue in itself, showcasing Savannah train history.

For this event, my company, Erin P. Salzer Landscape Design, (www.ErinPSalzer.com), was invited with 7 other companies, to create a 10'x 10' exhibition garden. This garden was to be based on'“Our Square Roots” in honor of Savannah’s distinctive city planning and garden designs.'

Our concept was to create a garden showcasing Savannah as a jewel of the Southeast Coast. Features in the garden are inspired by the city’s past, present, and future. For example, the gold bed walls pay homage to the gold dome of City Hall, and architectural elements used in the garden are seen throughout the city. The usage of the square as the basis of the garden refers to the perfect Oglethorpe plan for the city, a plan known throughout the world for its unique ingenuity. The plantings chosen are lush and elegant, pairing and grouping together for an appealing juxtaposition that is also indicative of the city. Southern and tropical plants evoke the sultriness of our subtropical climate, which lets such different plants mesh together.

Further interest is gained by the usage of plants of varying texture and foliage, not just flowers, which is a low maintenance technique for the home garden. The color splashes seen in the recycled tumbled glass aggregate add a vibrant jewel tone to the garden. The glass is a clean, modern, eco-friendly alternative groundcover.  Depending on the application of recycled glass, an architect or client may claim LEED credits or “green points.”

The Expo begins Friday, April 17th and will run through Sunday, April 19th, 2009, rain or shine, at the Roundhouse Railroad Museum at 601 W. Harris Street.  Hours are 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Sunday. Hope to see you all there!

Savannah Sand Gnats, Opening Day Baseball, April 9th!

  This Thursday, baseball returns to Savannah with a 6:30 game against the Augusta Green Jackets. The Sand Gnats just signed a two year extension as the affiliate of the New York Mets in the South Atlantic League. The Green Jackets are Single-A for the San Francisco Giants.

The April 9th game will feature a South Atlantic League tradition, 'Thirsty Thursday,' two for one Budweiser beers and Cokes. There will also be plenty of mischief between innings and it will be caped off with a fire works celebration after the game. I have not missed an Opening Day in Savannah, since 1995, when I took a road trip to Atlanta to see the Braves host the San Francisco Giants for their Opening Day ceremonies.

Last year, the Gnats missed the playoffs with a record of 61-76. This year they will have 72 games at Grayson Stadium. Last year, I was able to attend 15 games, mostly with friends from Hilton Head Island.

This year's team should be competitive, they have two 17 year olds anchoring the left-side of the infield. One of them, Wilmer Flores, is regarded as one of the best prospects in the Mets organization. He played extremely well at shortstop for the Kingsport Mets. The other hot prospect, Jefry Marte, hit .325 in the Gulf Coast League. There are four additional prospects that were taken in the first ten rounds of the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft.

For the complete 2009 schedule, please click the link below; http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t543

Vidalia Onion Salad, a sign of Spring in the LowCountry

  We have are just days away from outside parties and dining. Why not add one of Georgia's great resources, the Vidalia Onion, to your menu. My first experience with Vidalia Onions in the LowCountry was slicing them thin for a garnish on a burger or for buttermilk onion rings. When I first moved to the LowCountry in 1992, a man was selling them out of the back of a old school bus, just before the Sea Pines Circle on Hilton Head Island. People also stopped at that location for Rock's Bar-B-Que and the video poker machines.

I was requested to bring back Vidalia Onions to Central New York for the Holidays, friends and family were looking forward to them.

Times have changed, the town of Hilton Head closed Rock's and the bus is gone. You can still find the onions at the major grocery stores, but what fun is that. My suggestion is to hit one of the stands in nearby Bluffton or at Polk's in downtown Savannah.

I stumbled on this recipe a few summers ago, so I thought this might be a great way to start of the Spring 2009 Recipe Blogs, Vidalia Onion Salad.

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups of diced ripe tomatoes                               1/3 cup of chopped Vidalia Onions

15 fresh Basil leaves                                                   1 tablespoon of Olive Oil

2 fresh medium ears of corn, cooked & cooled              1 tablespoon of Balsamic Vinegar

pinch of salt                                                                salt & pepper to taste

STEPS

1. In medium bowl, combine tomatoes and onion. Scrape corn and juice off cobs, add to mixture. Shred Basil leaves, add to mixture.

2. In another medium bowl, combine oil, vinegar & salt, cover and shake. Add mixture, toss to coat, season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and Chill. Enjoy.

Savannah's 74th Annual Tour of Homes & Gardens

Starting Thursday, March 26, Savannah will open it's doors for a four day peek into the grand homes and elaborate gardens from it's well manicured historic district. Each day will focus on a different area and time in Savannah's rich history. People will take self guided pre-planned tours through the historic district and enter these homes that are not usually open to the public.You will see homes that were built just before the War of 1812, others constructed during the Antebellum period and finally you will be able to peer into Victorian mansions.

Other tours that are offered are more specialized, such as; John Norris, who designed many homes before the start of the Civil War, a gardener's tour, tour of Bonaventure Cemetery and a tour of Christ Church. In addition there will many seminars, topics included; Preserving a City, Antique Silver, Antique Furniture, Pearls, Creating and Restoring Furniture, and Container Gardening.

There is a lot going on, especially with food samplings and receptions at the close of each day's learning experience or adventure. Believe me, nobody will be able to attend all of these events, conflicting times and the ticket prices will start to balloon if you are not careful. My advice, put yourself on a budget each day and attend a program that you think you might find very rewarding. Remember if you decide you would like to purchase a historic home, I am your guy!

I am posting a link below, so you can see what is being offered over the next four days. This event keeps growing every year. Enjoy. BRING YOUR CAMERA!

www.savannahtourofhomes.org