Paul & Diane's Blog

More Christmas Events in Watkinsville, GA, this Weekend

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:45:46 -0600

Another great event this weekend in Watkinsville, GA, is the OCAF Holiday Market. Plan on completing your Christmas shopping with one of a kind gifts this year. The Holiday Market will be open on December 5th and 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with over 70 artists exhibiting. They range from potters, jewelers, photographers, painters, authors, fiber artists, woodworkers, glassblowers and many others. The admission will be $3.00 for adults and this is for both the OCAF Center and Rocket Hall. For more information go to www.ocaf.com.

The men of Watkinsville Christian Church will again sell their famous Chicken Mull on Saturday. It will be take-out only at $7:00 per quart.

If you're thinking of moving to Watkinsville or Oconee County, please contact us - we'll be happy to help!

www.BoykinTeam.com or www.TheBoykinTeam.com.

"COME ON CHRISTMAS" IN WATKINSVILLE, GA

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:34:31 -0600

As our grandson, Bo, says, "Come on Christmas". We'll it's getting geared up here in Watkinsville, GA, this weekend.

It all starts off on Friday, December 4 with the Watkinsville tree lighting being the feature of this month's First Friday event. Starting at 6:00 p.m there will be carolers, hot chocolate and carol singing and the tree lighting will be promptly at 7:00. Plan to stay late and shop as many of the downtown stores will be open late. Instead of going home and cooking, stay and eat dinner while you're in town.

The Watkinsville Christmas Parade this Saturday morning at 11:00 promises to be one of the best yet with 115 entries. Outgoing Watkinsville mayor Jim Luken will be the Grand Marshal and there will surely be

a number of antique tractors, marching bands, horses, lots of candy thrown and of course, Santa!

Stop by and have breakfast at Miss Gail's and you can sit on the porch and enjoy all of the excitement.

100% LOANS STILL AVAILABLE WITH USDA RURAL HOUSING PROGRAM

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:54:18 -0600

If you are interested in purchasing or building a home in a rural area, you might want to consider a USDA loan. In today's world, 100% financing has pretty much disappeared, but the USDA Rural Housing Program still can provide 100% financing if you qualify.

The benefits are:

100% loan-to-value financing for existing homes and new construction (based on appraised value)

Low and moderate income rural households qualify (# of family members and total income considered). You seriously have to provide your children's birth certificates!

You don't have to be a first time home buyer.

Closing costs are lower than conventional or FHA loans

No monthly mortgage insurance required. There is a one-time guarantee fee which can be financed in.

30 year fixed rate loans

No pre-payment penalties

2/1 temporary buydown available

There is no maximum loan limit. No longer tied to FHA loan limits.

To determine if your area qualifies (in this area, Athens-Clarke does not qualify, parts of Oconee Co. do).

visit http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do.

One thing to consider is if your lender will have USDA fund the loan or will your lender. This is important to know because there are times when USDA doesn't have the money to fund the loan and you might have to wait until funds are available.

JOHN BERRY CHRISTMAS CONCERT NOVEMBER 28, 2009

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:54:08 -0600

Oconee's own resident country singer John Berry is bringing his annual Christmas concert to the Oconee County Civic Center 8 pm Saturday, November 28th. Admission is $25.00 and may be purchased by calling toll-free (877) 438-5646, according to the Oconee Enterprise newspaper. They say that tickets are going fast, so call today! We attended several years ago and it is always a great way to start off the Christmas season.

NEW LISTING IN OCONEE COUNTY FOR $309,900

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:27:25 -0600

1221 MASON MILL RD., ATHENS, GA (OCONEE CO.)

A LOT OF HOME FOR THE $$! Elegant home tucked away on 1.469 acres close to Athens Academy and the loop. The stucco exterior has dental molding and copper gutters and downspouts. As you enter in the front door you will find a formal dining room and foyer with polished granite floors. Down just a step is the hardwood floored great room with fireplace with built-ins on each side and French doors to the covered porch. Step into the kitchen which has a beautiful hutch for displaying your dishes, Mexican tiled island with prep sink along with Mexican tiled floors. There is a spacious breakfast area with a bay window overlooking the backyard. The oversized master suite features a gas log fireplace and door to the porch. The luxurious master bath has a vaulted ceiling, large shower, dual vanities with extensive shelving and a stained glass window over the whirlpool tub. Also on the main level are two more bedrooms, one with a private bath, hall bath and laundry. Off the foyer is another room with French doors which could be a bedroom or study. Upstairs you will find a carpeted in-law or teen suite with a separate entrance. It has a full kitchen with all appliances, living area, bedroom, full bath, laundry area and a bonus room. Outside is a covered porch perfect for entertaining with a wet bar and a terraced backyard. Stucco exterior is commercial grade with combination of hard coat and synthetic stucco.

For more information on this property, please contact Paul & Diane Boykin at 706-296-7507, diane@BoykinTeam.com or our website at www.BoykinTeam.com.

U OF GA HALLOWEEN HAVOC

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:24:23 -0500

This year's Halloween Havoc at the University of Georgia's hayfield on South Milledge Ave. in Athens, GA again attracted some talented student groups to compete with decorated hay bales.

The UGA Cattlemen's Association sponsored the event for the second year as a fund raiser for the winning group's favorite philanthropy and for the North Georgia Food Bank. In spite of heave rain earlier in the week, the hay bales weathered the storm, so to speak, very well.

Below are some of the best entries. You be the judge, which one is the best?

H1N1 - GET IT? (SWINE FLU)

I CALL THIS ONE "BAT BALE"

BULL RIDER

THIS WOULD BE THE POULTRY SCIENCE CLUB ENTRY

BLOCK & BRIDLE CLUB

ROBOT?

STUDENT CATTLEMEN?

FALL TRIP TO JAEMOR FARM MARKET

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:45:09 -0500

This afternoon we stopped by the Jaemor Farm Market near Lulu, GA, where they have all sorts of farm items as well as a corn maze and fun activities.

They had bins of regular pumpkins and....

And they had decorative pumpkins.......

This family checks out the largest pumpkins

Decorative pumpkins and gourds

They had several types of winter squash including acorn (shown above) and estrella, (shown below)

These ladies are having a difficult time deciding what to purchase from the many shelves of jellies, jams, relishes, pickles, syrups and sauces that are available.

Jaemor sells raw peanuts for roasting, boiling or making peanut brittle in bags up to these 50# ones that Paul has his eyes on.

This gentleman from California is sampling his very first boiled peanut! And judging from his expression, it won't be his last!

They also have fried pies and homemade ice cream!

There is a large selection of various fruits and veggies

And don't forget to buy your mountain apples while you're there

There's so much to see that these ladies took a break to visit while shopping

Did I mention that they have butter & eggs, too?

Kids and adults alike will like the old fashioned candy available.

There's so much more to see and choose from that I can't even tell about it!

Out back you will find a pumpkin patch and orchards

OK, you're all fired up and ready to take the family out to Jaemor, now, aren't you? You'll find it on Hwy 365 north of Gainesville and south of Cornelia, GA.

WINE FEST SLATED IN WATKINSVILLE, GA

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:30:53 -0500

There's not a more beautiful setting than the grounds at Ashford Manor in Watkinsville, GA for the annual OCAF (Oconee Co. Arts Foundation) Wine and Food tasting that will take place this Sunday, October 25 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The tasting will include wines from seven wineries and package stores and food from 23 restaurants in Athens and Oconee County.

There will also be a silent auction and raffle besides live music and cooking demonstrations.

What better way to spend a fall afternoon with friends and family?

Tickets are $30 before Oct. 23 and $35 at the door.

You can purchase yours by calling 706-769-4565 or on line at www.ocaf.com.

WORDLESS THURSDAY - FALL IN MY GARDEN IN WATKINSVILLE, GA

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:15:02 -0500

ODD PURPLE CONEFLOWERS

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:06:00 -0500

We had record cold this morning - 33 chilly degrees here in Watkinsville, GA, which had me rummaging for gloves and ear covers before walking this morning.

I noticed that my purple coneflowers had multiple little flowers coming our of a main flower - note the one on the left. Has anyone ever seen this before?

FUNNEL CAKES MAY BE THE BEST THING AT THIS YEARS WATKINSVILLE FALL FESTIVAL

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:50:47 -0500

After raining off and on all week, the weather channel predicted "cloudy" for the Watkinsville Fall Festival today. Well, it started misting around 8:00 a.m. and started raining harder and harder throughout the morning. Still, a good many people came and brought their children, including babies. I stood out in the rain for 2 hours directing traffic, but before I did, I had to visit the funnel cake booth.

As the day was cold and wet, funnel cakes may well have been one of the best things going as they are hot and sweet.

For those who aren't familiar with funnel cakes, here is the process and the finished product.

First, you pour a funnel of batter into the hot oil.

After they're done, you top with powdered sugar.

Voila, the finished product! Enjoy!!

WATKINSVILLE FALL FESTIVAL THIS SATURDAY OCTOBER 17

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:19:42 -0500

DON'T MISS THE WATKINSVILLE FALL FESTIVAL THIS SATURDAY (OCTOBER 17)!

There'll be a lot happening this Saturday in downtown Watkinsville, GA at the Fall Festival. There will be numerous craft booths, lots to eat and tons of fun for the kids. If you haven't had funnel cakes in awhile, this is your chance. There will also be fresh vegetables from the Oconee Farmer's Market, a train to ride, animals to pet and corn boxes for the kids to play in, not to mention music all day at the bandstand.

The festival is from 9:00-4:00 in downtown Watkinsville on Rocket Field and the Eagle Tavern area. See you there!

GEORGIA NATIONAL FAIR OCTOBER 8-18 2009

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:16:06 -0500

This small show is just a warm-up show for the big, Georgia National Fair to be held in Perry, GA, October 8-18, 2009.

In addition to livestock shows, which include horse, dairy, beef, swine, sheep, goats and poultry (hope I didn't leave anybody out!) there are daily concerts with big-name performers, commerical exhibits, competitions for art, foods, Christmas trees, crafts and just about anything that you can think of. In case that's not enough, there is a huge midway with rides and food plus pig races and stock dog exhibits among others. It's hard to see all of the fair all in one day, so they now have 2 day passes. It's been a few years since we've been but we can't wait to go again.

For complete information including the schedule of events, please find the GA National Fair website at:

http://www.georgianationalfair.com/index.htm.

Hope you have a great time!

FUN THINGS TO DO IN WATKINSVILLE, GA IN OCTOBER PART I

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:18:34 -0500

There are several fun things to do around Watkinsville and Oconee Co this October.

First of all, there is an historical walking ghost tour around Watkinsville where ghost stories and legends are told about many sites in town. Currently, they are held Friday and Saturday evenings at 6:45 and 8:00 p.m. for the month of October. If you have a group, they can arrange a tour any evening. If things go well, this may turn into a year 'round event. For more information, call 404-242-6340. (The tour might not be appropriate for children under 10 years).

Also, Washington Farms, usually known for their strawberries in the Spring, has again opened their Corn Maze for the month of October. They also have a pumpkin patch which draws many school tours, a petting zoo, cow train, pig races and hayrides. The hours are 6-11 pm on Tuesdays, 3-11 pm on Fridays and 9 am - 11pm on Saturdays. The admission to the corn maze is $8.00. More information is available at www.WashingtonFarms.net or706-769-0627.

There was a great video about how the Washingtons create the corn maze in today's Athens Banner Herald. It's really fascinating! The link is:

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1902589436?bclid=0&bctid=43409934001

FAMILY FUN DAY OCTOBER 10!

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:07:07 -0500

The Athens Area Association of Realtors' Sponsored Family Fun Day is coming up this Saturday, October 10, 2009. It's free and open to the public and is to bring awareness to the GA Firefighters Burn Foundation. Bring your kids and have a great time!

"FARMER PAUL" PREPARES FOR THE FALL GARDEN IN WATKINSVILLE, GA

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:59:44 -0500

Sadly, the tomatoes are about finished and the eggplant and peppers are still hanging on.

"Farmer Paul" is busy today plowing our back 40 for the fall garden. Here in Oconee Co. GA, we are able to plant a fall garden, some of which generally survives the winter. Already, we have planted broccoli, collards, spinach, lettuce and onions. Some of the spinach and lettuce washed in the recent heavy rains and he'll replant them along with some Swiss chard.

The broccoli does better here in the fall than the spring as it likes cool weather. Some years it doesn't really cool off until November, so the broccoli tends to be a little strong. It is most happy when it has a little frost. Then some years we have an early hard freeze, which ruins it as well. In a perfect year we have large broccoli yields with a great flavor.

Unless we have unusually cold weather, the lettuce and spinach will stop growing in the winter but survive and then take off in the early spring. Swiss chard will grow all winter and sometimes remain to grow again the next fall, but we usually need the space for summer crops and plow it up.

I'm still trying to figure out how to have good fresh lettuce AND homegrown tomatoes at the same time!

These are some of the Radiator Charlie's Mortgage Lifter tomatoes that Paul grew last year. They way overlap a piece of bread when you make a tomato sandwich or BLT.

OCONEE CO. GA YOUTH LIVESTOCK SHOW

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 12:39:16 -0500

This misty morning we stopped by the Clarke-Oconee Cattlemen sponsored Youth Livestock Show held at Heritage Park in Oconee Co. Participants were from several surrounding counties.

Lamb Show

My girls grew up showing Holstein cattle, and believe me, there is a lot of work involved in getting one ready to show like this Holstein heifer is.

They must be trained to lead and set their feet, washed, clipped, brushed, tails combed, hoofs polished before they are ready to show.

There is a somewhat different approach to preparing the beef animals. Besides halter breaking,

their hair is fluffed to make them look as muscular and "beefy" as possible.

This showman is doing a good job preparing his beef heifer.

These market hogs are resting up for their class later in the day.

There was also a poultry show. This young man was showing me his chicken. (Pardon me, I can't remember the chicken breeds).

This chicken seemed to be posing for me.

Getting a little snack before being judged.

This breed of chicken had a French name - sorry I can't remember

These 4-H and FFA members learn a lot from exhibiting their animals. They work hard to feed and care for them, training and preparing them for the shows. They make friends from all around the state and sometimes country while on the show circuit. A number of them have their own businesses breeding, raising and growing out livestock.

The Clarke-Oconee Cattlemen's Assoc. sponsor this small local show, to enable the exhibitors to be ready for the larger county, state and national fairs where they will soon be showing.

It's been awhile since my girls have shown, but this morning I sure had "show fever" again.

14TH ANNUAL BOGART FALL FESTIVAL THIS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:17:20 -0500

The 14 annual Bogart Fall Festival will be held Saturday on Main Street in Bogart. Beginning with the openiing ceremony at 9:00 a.m. there will be a Celebrate Bogart Parade.

From 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. there will be art and crafts and food vendors offering items for sale. The Bogart Citizen of the Year and Little Miss and Mr. Bogart will be announced at noon.

There will also be a classic car show and a number of entertainment events will be provided. In addition, there are a number of activities for children including pony rides, petting zoo, moon walk, train rides and lots more. Don't miss it!

ATHENS-OCONEE 12TH ANNUAL GREEK FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:09:00 -0500

This weekend (September 26 & 27) come to the Athens -Oconee Greek Festival at St. Philothea Greek Orthodox Church. They feature lots of Greek food, jewelry & gifts, live music, Greek dancing, iconography lectures and more events for children. We went last year and had a great time, especially enjoying the wonderful food and dancing. The entrance fee is $3.00 and just $1.00 for seniors and students w/ ID. Also, if you come with your UGA football ticket for the Sept 26 game, entry is FREE! for more information, visit www.stphilothea.ga.goarch.org.

HOTEL INDIGO OPENS IN ATHENS, GA

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:35:32 -0500

Yesterday we were welcomed at an opening event for the modern, stylish boutique Hotel Indigo which has recently opened here in Athens, GA.

We were impressed with the sleek yet comfortable design of the LEED certified hotel.

The Phi Bar & Loungs is a great place for people to meet and mingle.

The courtyard features a bandstand for entertainment.

Another attraction in the courtyard is a fireplace. If the weather isn't suitable for being outdoors, there is also a club located on the ground floor.

The king rooms have a luxurous feel.

Living area in one of the suites at Hotel Indigo

Guests can quickly print boarding passes at the business center.

From the lobby, past the art gallery, you will find the fitness center.

You will find Hotel Indigo at 500 College Avenue just a few blocks from the University of Georgia and convenient to the many restaurants and bars in the entertainment district of downtown Athens, GA. It's a nice alternate to the standard hotel that will appeal to many visitors in Athens.

If you'd like more information about Athens, GA or the surrounding area or on local housing, please contact us.

All pictures are the property of Diane Boykin.

COLE BROS. CIRCUS COMING TO OCONEE COUNTY, GA !

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:35:09 -0500

Billed as the World's Largest Circus Under the Big Top, Cole Bros. Circus will be coming to Oconee County on September 14 & 15 at Heritage Park. They feature the 7 man pyramid on the high wire, camels, elephants, performing dog acts, clowns, acrobats, jugglers and a lot more. The shows are at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on both days. You can purchase advance tickets at The Top Drawer at 2061 Hog Mountain Rd. in Watkinsville or order through tickets.com. There are FREE tickets for kids at freekidstickets.com. Also, they are available at the Oconee Co. Chamber of Commerce on Experiment Station Rd. Heritage Park is located 7 miles south of Watkinsville on US 441. This is an up close and personal circus, folks. Don't miss it!

UPCOMING EVENTS IN OCONEE COUNTY, GA

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:36:22 -0500

Since school has long since started, everyone in Oconee Co., GA, is back in full swing with activities. Just a few of upcoming events are:

As one of the ongoing informal Strolls Around Watkinsville, this Saturday, September 19, Mary Mellein will lead an hour-long stroll beginning at 9:00 a.m. in front of the courthouse on Main Street. The funds raised from the $5.00 fee will be donated to the Oconee County 4-H Club.

A lot is going on at the Oconee County Library this month. There will be a daylong Fiction Workshop covering the art and process of fiction writing taught by author and college professor Brian Jay Corrigan at 10:00 a.m. September 19. Corrigan's first novel, "The Poet of Loch Ness" won the Bancroft Prize in literature. In 2006, he was named Author of the Year in the debut fiction category by the Georgia Writers Assoc. Registration is required. The library is located on Experiment Station Rd. in Watkinsville, GA.

Also at the Oconee County Library, The Friends of the Oconee County Library will be having a Book Sale September 17-20 at the library. On September 17 there will be a special preview sale from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. for Oconee County Library Friends only. If you aren't a member, you can still join at the door for only $10.00. The regular book sale hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. September 18 & 19 and 2:00 to 5:30 p.m. on September 20.

If you'd like more information about Oconee County or Watkinsville, GA, housing or relocation, please contact Diane @ 706-296-7507 or diane@BoykinTeam.com. Please feel free to search for homes at our website, www.BoykinTeam.com or www.TheBoykinTeam.com.

On September 15 at 12:00 noon, Gainesville State College will host meteorologist and storm chaser Reed Timmer who has intercepted more than 250 tornadoes and a dozen powerful hurricanes during the last few yers. He received his doctorate in meteorology from the Univerisity of Oklahoma. Timmer's presentation will be in the Student Resource Center of GSC's Oconee campus on Experiment Station Rd., Watkinsville. The program is free and open to the public.

And don't forget the Oconee Farmer's Market is still open from 8:00-noon every Saturday behind the Eagle Tavern on Main Street in Watkinsville.

Still available are cakes, pies, fresh eggs, blueberries, peaches, jams, grass-fed beef, tomatoes, okra, eggplant, green onions, sweet onions, cucumbers, potatoes and several varieties of squash.

SEC FOOTBALL - THERE'S NOTHING LIKE IT!

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:49:35 -0500

Only four more days until the first football game of the 2009 season!!

In the South, SEC football is king. Brides plan their weddings around it and even the hosts of the opening day dove hunts consider the time of the game of their favored team!

Here in Athens, GA, as a household divided, I'll be anxiously watching the Georgia Bulldawgs play Oklahoma State in the afternoon while Paul will be chewing his fingernails over Alabama and Virginia Tech in the evening.

Paul & Hairy Dawg share a special moment in anticipation of SEC football kickoff this Saturday.

Please let us know if we can help you with any real estate needs in the Athens, GA area.

Scull Shoals Trail

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 12:57:14 -0500

While riding at Scull Shoals the other day on my friend Linda's Spotted Saddle Horse, Jake, I remembered that I never posted the pictures that I took there back in the spring.

Scull Shoals is an abandoned town located on the Oconee River in Greene Co, GA, only minutes south of Athens, GA. More on the town another time.

We rode the horse trail in the Oconee National Forest. Part of the trail leads to the Indian mounds and the whole trail is also great for hiking.

"Jake"

Fallen Horse Creek

Our favorite spot to stop for lunch

wildflower

Jake taking a lunch break

Perspectives - Georgia's Largest Annual Pottery Event

Paul & Diane Boykin (Keller Williams Realty Greater Athens) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:21:32 -0500

From August 29 through September 16, 2009, Perspectives, Georgia's largest pottery event will be held in Watkinsville, GA at the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF).

There will be a huge pottery sale of over 5000 pots, exhibitions, workshops, self-guided studio tours and an opening gala reception and preview sale.

Admission is FREE! so be sure to go. For more details, visit OCAF's website www.ocaf.com.