What the Fire Didn’t Destroy
- Details
- Written by Kris Legates
A home burns and lives are upended. But amid such loss, one’s heart is seared with a deeper appreciation of what’s truly important.
Story by Jessica Gordon
Photograph by Chris Colpo of the Lewes Fire Department
From the Winter 2022 issue
I am holding my breath, staring wide-eyed, unblinking. My heart pounds in my chest as if it’s trying to escape the confines of my rib cage. The rapid, rhythmic pumping of blood is all I can hear and my entire body trembles, like an earthquake has taken place in my solar plexus.
Blink.
Breathe.
Count: One. Two. Two.
Garden Parties
- Details
- Written by Kris Legates
Look closely, and you’ll discover a blooming trend of backyard botanical showplaces
By Bill Newcott
Illustration by Carolyn Watson
From the October 2022 issue
“Welcome to Florida,” says Gary Smith, ushering me along the winding brick walkway that meanders from his driveway to the front door of his house.
Indeed, instead of Milton, this could just as easily be Miami. The walk is lined with pointy needle palms and shrimp plants (Justicia brandegeeana to those in the know), with their curly, pink, crustacean-like flowers. And reaching tall above them, swaying in the morning breeze, stand two windmill palm trees, the kind just about every home in Orlando has out front but, in these parts, are as rare as manatees.
A Strong Market Marches On
- Details
- Written by Kris Legates
Home sales volume dips slightly from last year’s buying frenzy, but prices are way up and demand is still strong
By Lynn R. Parks
Illustration by Emeraldgreen
From the October 2022 issue
From her vantage point as an agent with the Long & Foster Real Estate office in Bethany Beach, Cindy Souza sees clues that the market in coastal Sussex could be slowing a bit from last year’s pandemic-inspired boom.
In a few cases, she is seeing buyers resume — at least at first — the time-honored tradition of making offers a bit less than the asking price.