LIVING ON A SANDBAR OF HISTORY

The preservation of human history and the environment that shaped it is a fascination to most people. Proof of that is found in the dedication of many volunteers and a few professionals to building and maintaining museums, even for the smallest of communities. Useppa is certainly one of the smallest, with our 100 acre, 1 ¼ mile long island occupied by just 115 homes, a club, and the Barbara Sumwalt Museum of the Useppa Island Historical Society.

Created by passionate residents and a supportive island management, the museum harbors 10,000 years of history. Open the door and enter a panoply of those years, from a dusty hill with a fresh water spring, miles from the Gulf of Mexico, to the founding of the modern day, water wrapped community in Pine Island Sound. Through the intervening millennia’s, Useppa was home to ancient animals and peoples, Calusa, Old World explorers, Cubans, Seminole, tax collectors, US infantry and Navy forces, CIA, real estate developers, fishing fanatics, benefactors and rogues.

History is a bonding compound for people of the present, and Useppa is no exception. Our museum is a gathering place: to celebrate, experience, learn and share. Every season we are treated to several up close and personal experiences, with authors, photographers, entertainers and artists.

Just a sample of recent events are authors Craig Pittman “Oh, Florida!”; Maritime author Robert Macomber, “The Honor Series,” Doc Anna, Swamp Doctor; “The Florida Grand Canyon,” a photo exhibit “Everglades: America’s Wetland,” with conservation photographer Mac Stone, co-sponsored with The Everglades Foundation.

Our Historical Society is able to bring the broad range of art forms to the residents and members of Useppa Island due to the efforts of director Rona Stage. She networks with similar small museum directors and taps the best venues from the artistry of the Florida Humanities Council. Never will you find so much to offer, in such a small and personal place. 

Except on Useppa Island.

Decorating to Welcome Family & Friends for Thanksgiving

A TIME TO CELEBRATE

Thanksgiving finds our homes dressed in full finery: candles lit, silver polished, favorite fall centerpiece pulled from the cupboard and linens pressed to crisp perfection. It gives us the rare relaxed moment to focus on the blessings we've received in the past year and to welcome family and friends for the sheer pleasure of their company.

Timeless Tradition, Contemporary Flair

Timeless tradition and contemporary embellishments are equally at home on a well-dressed Thanksgiving table. But always try to include some personal touches amid all the traditional trappings. Unexpected details, such as leaves looped over chair backs or place cards tucked into dried artichokes, add individual style. Use a multi-tiered arrangement of seasonal fruits — figs, grapes, pomegranates, pears and persimmons — to add fall color to the tabletop.

Try a New Hue

Not a fan of orange and brown? No worries; your table's color palette doesn't have to be restricted to traditional fall colors. Instead try softer, cooler hues like the whites, pale greens and blues.

Go For a Layered Look

Layering plates in different finishes, colors or textures is an easy trick for setting an elegant table. Start with a charger, followed by a dinner plate, topped by a folded cloth napkin and small bread or dessert plate.

Beyond Pumpkins

Some varieties of squash are beautiful and a perfect fit for a rustic fall table setting. Stroll the grocery store's produce aisle or your local farmers' market for inspiration. Artichoke, cabbage, pears and pomegranates are other great options for decorating a rustic fall table.

HGTV.com November 2017 Trends

USEPPA ISLAND GETAWAY

By Nadine Welch

Mike holds a redfish landed on Ande Backcountry 8-pound test
 near Useppa Island Club.

Mike and I decided it was time to get out of Dodge and take a road trip with our flats boat. The hustle and bustle of south Florida makes this kind of trip a stark contrast and welcome break.

We ended up on Useppa, a small island between Pine Island and Cabbage Key, on the southwest coast of Florida. These places are almost due west of Fort Myers, near the mouth of Charlotte Harbor.

The path that led us there was anything but ordinary. It was as if we were being beckoned.

My first contact with Useppa was from the Palm Beach Boat Show in March. I attended a media event at the Lake Pavilion on the waterfront and discovered an oasis in the midst of all the craziness of the boat show. It was a gorgeous photo of Useppa Island: paradise without a passport, with an inviting area to relax during the media event. There were some goodies there and information, which I grabbed. That photo just seemed to call me…

We had planned to visit the west coast in the coming weeks, a trip to Bokeelia, on the north end of Pine Island, to fish. Once we finalized the dates, I reached out to Brian and Mary—the Useppa People, who are Realtors. They invited us to visit the Private Island Club, have lunch at the historic Collier Inn, and then took us on a golf cart tour of the island.

There are no roads here, only golf cart paths and walkways. My kind of island! It just seemed magical. We were invited to come back for an overnight visit to experience the island. Brian and Mary made the arrangements for us to return and visit as their guests. So, we loaded the car, hooked up the boat and were off.
Pine Island Sound here we come! 

We stopped in Matlacha and made a phone call to the Pineland Marina to check on bait. Good call. They were out of shrimp. We visited Carrie at the Barnhill Seafood Market in Matlacha who loaded us up with 200 monster shrimp. There was a stream behind the shop where we could get a few buckets of water to transport the shrimp safely to the marina. When you are on an island, you need to be proactive about supplies. Consider travel distances on the water to get what you need, and that options can be limited.

We launched the boat; I drove to park for the weekend and was greeted with a golf cart escort to the ramp. Headed out the cut from the marina, it feels as if you are soaring—having been set free from civilization and traffic. The waterways are expansive, and there are multiple mangrove cuts around every turn. There is so much water, so many cuts and areas to explore. The seagrass beds have expanded in the area 10 percent since the storms of 2008. The abundance of shoalgrass and turtlegrass has increased while the abundance of manatee grass has remained stable. In fact, the number of quadrants monitored in the area that are devoid of seagrass has decreased by 50 percent since 2005. This all makes for some clean water and great fishing.

Our first visit to Bokeelia, we limited on seatrout every day. On our trip to Useppa a month later, we encountered mostly snook and a monster red, caught by Mike, on the next to last shrimp! And there are always tarpon.

Nadeen Welch is co-publisher of the Fort Myers edition of Coastal Angler Magazine.

June 2017 - reproduced with permission. See the digital edition of Coastal Angler Magazine

Summer's Natural Beauty on Useppa Island

by Karen Kauffman

Summer's on Useppa are extraordinary. Yes it's warm and it rains every evening, but that also means evening clouds which create extraordinary sunsets.

If it's June, then it's also time for night blooming cereus. All year long strands of cactus slowly grow down the trunks of cabbage palms. During the month of June long park red blossoms emerge. After dark, these burst open into glowing white blossoms nearly a foot wide. They only last for the night and then pooof - they're gone. The next night, the magic repeats as new blossoms open.

It's also a time for our resident butterflies to enjoy their garden. With the rainy season comes an explosion of plants and also of butterflies. Besides the colonies of black and yellow Swallowtail that live here year round, we have have a profusion of others. These orange Gulf Fritillary have been fluttering around each other, doing a mating dance. Eggs will be laid and a few weeks after, the resulting caterpillar will be munching through a passion vine before starting the process all over again.

Florida is not just a place to escape the winter. It's a place filled with hidden and exotic beauty all year round - all you need to do is come and explore. Okay, and bring sunblock and maybe a little bug spray - but it's worth it. Promise!

New Neighbors on Useppa

Real Estate has been slow but things are still happening on Useppa!!

Casa de Leones - 124, previously owned by Bill and Gigi Mills, sold to existing Useppa Residents and newlyweds, Denny and Leslee Gilstad.  Congratulations to you both and welcome, Leslee!!  

Bella Vista - 306, previously owned by Ed and Mayra Soriero…who will be sorely missed as will their entire brood, literally, growing up on the Island.  We welcome Bruce Wendorf and Hillary Potter, living “The Wendorfal Life.”  They are from Fort Myers and come with (if I counted right) 5 kids between them and look forward to making great memories on Useppa.

Sand Castle -  515, previously owned by John and Joyce Ferry, who just weren't here enough, sold to George and Judit Mueller of Naples, who joined the club over three decades ago with their young family, and today are members as well.  All we can say is….”It's about time!!” 

Also, beware the Mueller’s on the Croquet Court as they are fierce competitors.  Welcome!!

We can expect our new neighbors to be in and out over the summer.  Don't be shy!  Track’em down to say hello….if they don't find you first.  We'll have a party to introduce them when the Useppa population “balloons up” again – if we can wait that long.

As was expected, The Rainy Season is here and the jungle doth grow!!

**The Club is hosting a big Father's Day Brunch on Sunday. Don't forget to show those great Dad's how much you know they love to eat!  

And, to those that are lucky enough to make it to the Island during the summer, call us!!  We need company!

Brian has almost finished his Q1 Real Estate Report – coming soon.

Find Your Secret Hideaway on Useppa Island

Do you remember when you were a child, with your own secret hideaway? It was that place where you always felt safe, calm, warm and protected. A place where you could dream and imagine….anything! Under a blanket as a fort, in a closet, behind a chair, beneath, or up in a tree; wherever that place was, it was your “secret escape.” 

Now, you’re grown and you haven’t thought about that childhood secret place for a very long time. It still may be your secret. 

Busy with life, work, children and responsibilities of all kinds, you need a secret place; a great escape – now more than ever.
Maybe you’ve thought about a quiet retreat on the beach, with warm sunshine, soft breezes and swaying palms. But where do you find a place to relax when all the beaches are jammed with traffic, high rises and crowds? 

Useppa Island is that place; the hideaway, getaway, dream place that time forgot. That place where you, family and  friends, can Relax and Imagine in tropical tranquility.
Truly timeless, Useppa is a snapshot-in-time that will not change. There is no room for change. This tiny jewel has no available land for strip malls, condos or fast food joints.

Already devoid of automobiles, there’s only the quiet padding of feet on pathways, a beach bike slowly cranking, the soft whine of a golf cart, the melodic sounds of nature and laughter.

Useppa Island is that secret escape where you can relax and reconnect with yourself and your family; a hideaway that makes for stronger relationships and lasting memories.
Accessible only by air, or water, this private island has no crowds, no cars and no high rises. There are no stop signs…only Turtle Crossings.

Make your escape to Useppa Island.
Paradise Without A Passport!

A Sanctuary for Bird Life on Useppa Island

Did you know that bird watching is one of the fastest growing nature hobbies in the US? 

Why is bird watching so popular? Birds are beautiful, entertaining and inspiring.  This year-round hobby appeals to every age group; whether for school-age natural science exploration activities, or pure pleasure.

Southwest Florida is a mecca for a wide variety of bird life. Abundant natural habitats, including the Everglades, mangrove forests and tidal flats offer a haven for many species of water birds. Depending on the season, you’re likely to see White Pelicans, Reddish Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, and perhaps you’ll even catch a glimpse of the endangered Roseate Spoonbill. 

The climate lends itself to year-round displays of dazzling birds of prey including Bald Eagle, Osprey, along with an assortment of hawk and falcon. Woodland species include the Pileated Woodpecker and Great Horned Owl.

Today bird watching on Useppa Island is popular with island residents. Useppa is located just west of Pine Island, in the Pine Island Sound Aquatic Preserve. The Preserve contains the three largest colonial bird rookeries in the area, located on Broken Islands, Hemp Key and Useppa Oyster Bar.  

Laura Stokes, Useppa resident, professional nature photographer and Chief Medical Officer for Useppa Island’s Fire Department says “Our Great Horned Owls are always a treat and every year, around Christmas, they produce an owlet! It’s fun to watch the little one grow. This year the fledgling was very outgoing and would swoop down to have his picture taken every day around dusk!”

A stroll along Useppa’s private beach, or a walk on the Pink Path, shaded by tall native trees, is a bird photographer’s paradise. Experience the spectacular show of birds for yourself surrounded by sea, sky, and abundant natural beauty.  

What and Where is Useppa Island...And Who Lives There?

We wondered about that when we saw Useppa Island featured in Islands Magazine in 1985, while staying at a friend’s house on Sanibel. Although we never met any neighbors before we bought our Useppa home, the community was terrific and we can’t imagine our lives any other way.

After years of living on Useppa, Mary and I continue to invite new and wonderful people to join this welcoming community.

The entrance to Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound is the focal point for boaters and vacationers seeking protected cruising and fishing grounds, as well as Florida vacation home opportunities second to none. If you had a Useppa Island Home, you would be 3 miles south of Boca Grande Pass and 15 minutes from Captiva or Boca Grande with a 22-foot runabout. 

What sets Useppa apart is the lack of a bridge, cars and traffic, with coveted privacy, island amenities and a private club. If you can drive a boat, take the club launch or hire a water taxi, no bridge -- no problem. In fact, you can make your way to major grocery and drug stores more quickly from Useppa than you can from other areas burdened by 2-lane roads, tourists and seasonal residents.  

On this 100+ acre sparkling jewel, the Useppa Island Club includes great amenities and recreation, except for golf, as our land is limited. Much has been written about the Club, the island and its history, but not much describes the physical reality of living here.

Like most places, Useppa is what our residents make it. Seeking a calm respite and weekend escape, 49% of residents are Floridians. A small percentage of residents are from other countries, while 30 percent hail from the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states. They represent a broad age range that is continually trending lower as multiple generations love living private island life.

Easter Sunrise on Useppa Island

A Glorious Day of Renewal

by Karen Kauffman

As several hundred gather on the beach, we wait for the sun to rise upon this unique location. Neighbors and friends sharing a blessing for what has been and what is to come.

 We arrive from as near as Naples, Ft. Myers, Sarasota and Tampa. We make our way from Georgia, New Jersey, New York and New England, from across the Midwest and New Mexico, Montana, Washington, Canada and the United Kingdom.

 What we have in common is this island paradise, a small jewel of an island that rarely appears on a map and barely shows on a chart. Yet, whether you are 9 months old, 90 years old, or anywhere in between, we welcome you.

 Coming to a new location, at any age, can be intimidating. Wondering how you will like it, and if it will like you, is daunting. The Useppa experience is quite different. We have all felt the magic here. From the moment you step onto these shores, our community embraces you. We are here for one another, exemplified by the serenity we feel when our children go out to explore, when neighbors readily lend a hand and when all share a commitment to maintain the Island’s sacred beauty and history. We, collectively, create an unmatched experience for all to enjoy.

 

A sanctuary for exploration and rebirth, on this island, we shed our personas from the past and strive to be the people we always knew we could be. Whether it is your first time visiting, you’ve lived here for months, or maybe decades, all are welcome.

 On Easter morning, let the sun rise and shine gently upon you. Open your hearts and your minds. Look with gratitude to your left, then to your right, and know that you are welcomed to share, as one of us, this Easter morning -- a glorious day of renewal.

Useppa Island Living - A Daily Celebration

For a tiny Island accessible only by air or water, Useppa is really very cultured.  We have a comprehensive Historic Museum, a Book Club, Bridge Club, Yacht Club, Tennis Club, Croquet Club and Beach Church.  We also have the Isaak Walton Club, Fitness Center and Bocce Ball.  

For the little ones that frequent the Island, there’s fishing, bike riding, swimming at the pool or the beach, a playground and lots of nature to explore. And, they grow up together; learn to drive boats and golf carts, maybe even go to college together. The friendships forged on Useppa last a lifetime.

What about Holidays you ask? Well, we Celebrate! Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, Memorial Day, St. Patrick’s Day and all holidays in between. Our traditions include a December 23 walk to view Christmas décor displayed around the Island, just before Santa arrives, by boat, on the 24th. The Annual Christmas Eve Wassail Bowl includes Christmas Carols and Eggnog, while New Year’s brings the Annual Bonfire on the Beach, along with dinners and parties for the kids. We celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a parade of festive golf carts, followed by lots of green beer and welcome the Easter Bunny to kick-off the Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Celebratory cookouts, flags, parades and parties are the norm, while we Celebrate our captivating sunsets Daily.

Socials, Movies on the Beach and Happy Hour Friday assure neighbors have the opportunity to engage and socialize on a regular basis. Then, there are the games, along with our Island version of tailgating. Croquet almost every afternoon, which includes tailgating on Wednesdays and Cat Boat racing every Saturday during season, followed by a cookout on the beach. 

Here, relationships and friendships are cherished. You can be as unique as the Island itself. A welcoming attitude is not concerned with where you came from, your profession, nor your social status. We’re just glad you’re here.

Useppa Island Butterfly Garden - A Sanctuary for All

by Karen Kauffman

The Useppa Island Butterfly Society began several years ago, when the island donated a sandy and unbuildable 1/3 acre to the care of volunteer islanders for a butterfly sanctuary. Six years later, we see significantly more and varied butterflies fluttering in the warm sun. We find eggs the size of pencil points, as well as understand why leaves disappear overnight as caterpillars munch through them. These are all signs that the butterflies approve of our efforts!

 Butterflies alight on almost any flower for nectar. However, each butterfly species selects a very specific host plant for laying its eggs, and can detect them from as far as five miles away. This is the same plant these butterflies-turned-caterpillars will use for food.

So, what began as simply planting pretty flowers, has turned into spread sheets to cross reference nectar versus host plants, in the correct proportion, to successfully attract less migratory butterflies, while attracting more that will happily reside with us for generations.

 Of the many butterflies, we have our favorites. Black and yellow Swallowtails search out Dutchman’s Pipevine (which can grow over a foot a day) as visiting butterflies lay clusters of yellow eggs. When hatched, these larva/caterpillars quickly devour the vine’s dense foliage that has hidden them so well.

 Orange Gulf Fritillary’s tiny tan eggs are found on the underside of Lady Margaret Passion Vine. The “hatched” orange caterpillars then travel in packs, voraciously eating the vine before curling up into a chrysalis from which a beautiful butterfly will emerge.


The most rewarding aspect of caring for the garden is sharing it with visitors of all ages. The Butterfly Garden encapsulates what life on Useppa is about. Creating a place of beauty, wonder, refuge and learning, while relaxing and sharing a space with family, friends and those who wander the island. All are welcome here!  Discover Useppa Island

Warm wishes for the best Thanksgiving ever.

We are thankful for You!

Are We Sure Winter Isn't Here?

Islanders are starting to arrive - NOW! That means it’ has to be winter, doesn’t it?

We live on Useppa, a 100-acre island situated about 3 miles off the coast of Pine Island. Mostly a second home community, our “Season” begins right around Thanksgiving. Everyone then disappears until a day or two after Christmas.

Such has been the pattern since we first arrived over 30 years ago. This year is different! More than a few families stayed into June, when Easter, no matter when it came, was historically the signal, “The Season” was over! There were even a number of families that stayed the entire summer, with even more planning to do so next year. And more have been returning early, but early October? It’s not TIME for them to come back.

How do we know that’s happening? Telephone and Internet services are being taken off “vacation mode.” Pool Services say they’ve been prepping pools for the last few weeks and forwarded mail is already arriving at Post Offices. Wait a minute, Fall just started.

It could be the weather. The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting “snow piling up on the plains,” “low temps and above normal precipitation in the northeast,” along with a “particularly cold and wet winter for the mid-Atlantic.” So, maybe they are being called early to the Sunshine State.

We like to think they have fallen in love. Regardless, we are more than happy to meet, greet and share our very special island with those seeking a gentler, warmer and fun place to be. 

Discover Paradise Without A Passport!

204 Useppa Island Just Sold!

We're welcoming more new neighbors to Useppa Island. Ron and Maria Brown, from Winter Haven Florida, are our newest residents. With 204 Useppa Island their new favorite place, they've renamed the cottage "Tranquility." They've grown very fond of the Useppa Lifestyle, calling our little paradise "A Magical Place." 

Welcome to Island Life!

Useppa Island Feature Gulfshore Life Magazine

Useppa Island Feature
Gulfshore Life - February 2016

Useppa Island - Still The Great Escape

Click the image to view the article

Happy Birding on Useppa Island

IS IT THAT TIME OF YEAR?!?!

We don’t know if it’s the season, the weather or our newly trimmed tree out back...but, the birds have been paying special attention to our spot on Rum Cove and providing lots of entertainment. 

There are two Osprey couples…both of which are trying to make a nest.  We will see all four swooping in and around but only one of each couple stays to challenge the other. 

If the tree is occupied (a female Anhinga as well as a couple of Ibis, also have designs on the mangrove) one will perch in a nearby palm, to watch….occasionally flying over to challenge.

And, the Osprey are getting very comfortable ON our deck...choosing to enjoy their latest catch, within our reach.  We have learned....they eat the eyes of a fish, first.

There are always other visitors.

Our favorite, though...with rare close sightings, is the White Pelican.  They've been gathering behind the house and in the general area for a week or so.  We hopped on the boat and followed them around, last week.

Only one "great" photo but....what a fun time.  

HAPPY BIRDING!!  They are everywhere! 



Useppa Island Historical Cooperation at the Forefront Again

Useppa Island Paradise Partnership

Continuing a tradition of Useppa Island Homeowners and Club management  working together to enhance Useppa Island,  a team consisting of manager Donald Beckstead and dozens of residents converged this January morning to replant the hillsides next to the bridge behind the Tarpon Bar and reception. 

Throughout life and within every community large and small, there are those that just don’t see the advantage of cooperation. On Useppa, that is rare indeed.

Led by a committee formed by the Board of Governors, the Useppa Island Paradise Partnership team planted dozens of bromeliads with trowels and spades working the sandy soil.  They were then followed by a team of orchid lovers, carefully rooting the fragile plants in tree branches and within the Cereus that climb the ancient Live Oaks that shade the targeted area.

Conceived by homeowner and Board member Donna Anderson, the owners relied upon the Useppa Service Department to provide huge tubs of bromeliads, dug by hand from other island locations.  Beckstead led the effort with shovel and post hole digger. The ever-present Ginny Amsler, island resident and editor of the quarterly Useppa Chronicle, was there to record the team effort.

Useppa Homeowners Team Landscaping Effort

Resident Editor and Photographer Capturing the Action

A Longstanding Commitment

This type of island cooperation and communal effort dates back over 30 years, with early projects led by  Bill and Edna Hager, who would regularly sally forth from their yellow cottage under the great banyan tree to plant coconut, mango, lime, mulberry and dozens of other varieties in selected projects throughout the island. Walk south, along the Pink Path from the museum, and the broad variety of trees that frame the path date from their efforts in the mid 1980’s. They were joined, as in this effort, by many homeowners and management who share a deep affection for Useppa’s beauty.

Useppa Island Paradise Partnership

Hurricane Charley, while challenging to all Useppans, was seen by the homeowners as another chance to make things better. That effort was led by the Useppa Island Property Owners Association In cooperation with founder Gar Beckstead. A multi-year focus and methodical replacement of the islands shredded landscape was accomplished.

Throughout life and within every community large and small, there are those that just don’t see the advantage of cooperation. On Useppa, that is rare indeed.

Whew!! What a holiday!!

WHEW!!  What a busy Holiday on Useppa!!

In thinking back....IT WAS REALLY BUSY!!!  It started on the 23rd and didn't stop till January 2nd.

On the evening of the 23rd, about 30 people visited a dozen homes on our First Annual Christmas Tree Walk-About!!  No caroling but plenty of bell ringing, laughter and humor, which grew as we progressed along the Pink Path....as everyone had brought their own "Sippy Cup".

The 24th, Santa arrived by boat and was met by all the kids (both young and old) who rode to the beach on our Fire Truck.  After some gift giving, all proceeded to the Fire House for Cake and Ice Cream.....and a grand time was had by all the "kids!!"

That night, everyone went to the Collier to participate in the Wassail Bowl...an event that is from times of old.  The Staff made cookies and the very best, most "loaded" eggnog for us all, and then we all sang Christmas Carols, ending, as always, with The Twelve Days of Christmas...fully acted out.  Just imagine...."Ten Lord's a' leaping"

or

"Eight Maids a' milking"?!?!?

Christmas Morning is celebrated, privately, by most families. But, Christmas Dinner....look out.  The Collier Inn always has a wonderful spread and there are a number of dinner parties.  Families are there with large numbers and individual members entertain up to and over 20 neighbors and friends.

The days after were filled with

The Isaak Walton Kid's Fishing Tournament 

The First Annual Duathlon

 

The Annual Beach Croquet Tournament

The Annual POA Party, "The Pirates of Useppa"

And, of course, taking care of business at the

 Board of Governors Meeting and 

Property Owners Association Meetings.

All activities built up to an absolutely spectacular New Year's Eve with a very creative theme...Cirque du Isle, with fantastic food,  excellent service, entertainers walking through during dinner, rockin' dance music and a "Cirque" performance that was incredible.  All this was only surpassed by the spectacular fire works, right at the strike of midnight.... acknowledging the end of 2015 and celebrating the beginning of a new year....

with great spirit and style!! 

The New Year's Day Brunch, Happy Hour and a big bonfire on the beach ended the celebratory week in a very easy and relaxed way, enjoying family, friends and neighbors

...till the very last.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!

               

                       

HERE'S TO YOU!!!