Party on Reserve

Last night we went to Anne and Greg Robley's house for a get together with Pictou County People who either live in Reserve or did at one time. There were about 24 people there, give or take a couple. Anne's house is exactly the same as this one with totally different décor and furniture lay out so in a way it looks completely different. Today, because of how she had her house laid out, I moved the dining room table away from the patio doors and put it up against the wall, giving a lot more room and a better flow from the pool doors. I think it looks better but we will have to move everything back before we leave. Otherwise I think there will be an advisory in the binder to leave the furniture the way it is when you get there. Just a guess but that's probably what would happen. We were at Anne's till almost midnight and then Anne and Alan and Red and Cheryl came in here for a drink before the night faded. It was a great evening and although I didn't know everyone, everyone else knew everybody but us. Carol and Heather Robinson were there too; they are staying near by and are playing golf every other day it seems. There are here for six weeks and then going on to Myrtle Beach with a lot of other golfers. Everyone is having a wonderful winter.

This morning we went to Mass at Corpus Christi in Celebration and visited the Farmers Market afterwards. Quite a show. Lots of interesting food items and unfortunately our larder is pretty full and we opted not to buy food but what great choices. Gourmet pasta dishes, prepared and ready for the oven; great looking bread of all kinds; a bottled olive salad that I did buy and is delicious; a tea merchant; lots of fresh fruits and vegs and jewellery, painting and art objects; sewing which was fine quality and scarves. Just a feast for the eyes and tummy.

Celebration is quite the place. It's a Disney community with oodles of restrictive covenants determining what you can hang where and how your house looks on the outside and what your yard looks like and what you hang on the door. There are all styles of homes from three storey row houses that look like they belong on Beacon Hill to single homes that are awe inspiring. I have never seen homes like those before. GIGANTIC homes. that go on and on, back to attached garages and sun rooms. All styles but the individual homes are strikingly dramatic. Pillars and porches and fences and brick and wreaths and think gorgeous and then expand on that until you think it cannot be more beautiful and then it is. Not a cornerstore in sight; no retail except in closely regulated areas, as beautiful as the homes. Quite the place. Some of those homes have been there for what looks like 15 years but everything looks new and so immaculately kept. Money Money Money and lots more money in Celebration. Interesting, we didn't see many people but it was early, so perhaps there aren't many people out in neighbourhood USA at that time of day.

We tried a few places for breakfast and then opted to come here and have pancakes banana foster and eggs and bacon with good coffee and toast. No waiting. No lineup. Then honey tangerines from the market. This afternoon we are reading alongside the pool and I am in and out of the water to cool off. It's warm today. People are happy.

Beginning week three tomorrow. I have already booked this house for next year. After so many people seeing it, the word will get around that it's a sweet spot so better safe than sorry and I make the commitment late last night. The owner is happy that we are coming back and we really like this house. A few things planned for tomorrow; golf in the morning/afternoon and then bridge at night. I am keeping a calendar these days as the last couple of weeks cram up pretty quickly. Talked to Chris this morning and we will see him on Tuesday.

HOpe all is well in your nest. We are just watching the last of the race from Bristol and Mike's friends are there watching in person. It's not as sunny there as here but I am certain they had fun today and yesterday. Back tomorrow sometime. Check in if you have time.