Author: Useppa

Island Fall…Mellow Serenity – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Old friends reunited, an Island neighbor welcomed home after surgery, families together, boats in the Marina, peaceful morning walks…Fall on Useppa,a gentle time between seasons.

Halloween Island Time – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – It was a Halloween celebration island style, laid back and all inclusive. Almost everyone on Useppa was there, but our numbers are still small enough that it felt like family. Thank you to the Collier Staff and the Front Office for making it happen. Other pictures are of daylight Islanders and an early morning goodbye to Indomitable Donna off for some needed surgery.

Columbus Weekend and More, Island Style – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – It’s that soft sunset time of year between the fun of summer and a new season beginning. There is just the right amount of people – not too few, not too many. Each smile matters. Pictures show friendship and mischief. Island bees have a new home. The pool is redone. New faces join the Useppa family. New relationships begin. Old friends leave, but their spirits stay. Dragonflies, lizards, children, and grownups enjoy the island. It’s Fall on Useppa.

Island Fall Begins – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Temperatures are still warm. Palm fronds stay green. Children play in the pool. Sunrises and sunsets are tapestry skies embroidered in color. It’s a quiet time between summer busyness and the return hustle and bustle of seasonal residents. Birds claim the docks. On foot, in the air, in a kayak, we are all part of the Island family.

Useppa Labor Day Celebrations – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Clusters of families and friends gathered on the island. Small groups and large celebrated the holiday, celebrated the spirit of Useppa. Relatives and friends in one family came together to commemorate a tradition going back thirty years, impromptu dinners by the water, children fishing the Izaak Walton Kids’ Tournament, and this year to say good-bye to its patriarch who died in April. Club Members boated over for a last summer Collier lunch and afternoon in the pool. Happy Hour brought old and new Islanders together. With safe distance between us, we had a weekend filled with old fashioned fun.

Labor Day Kids Izaak Walton Fishing Tournament – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Nine fishermen hooked Snappers, Flounders, Mango Snappers, and Pinfish. One fisherman also got hooked. The Most Heroic Trophy Winner had to go to the mainland and have it removed. Izaak Walton veteran Kyle Corey set the tone. He helped anyone needing help catch and release unharmed every fish (part of the Kids’ Fisherman’s Oath). He also joined Tournament alums who once fished as children and now helped their own kids. Judging by the smiles, parents had more fun than their little ones.

Thank You Useppa Employees – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Labor Day on Useppa was business as usual for Island employees. Landscaping worked on the North End. Housekeeping cleaned rental units. The Service Department had men on the dock loading and unloading. Other necessary work was done behind the scenes. Trash was picked up. In the Marina boats were sent off or tied up. Launches ran all day. Without our loyal employees, life on Useppa would be impossible. Thank you from the guests and members here for the weekend. Thank you from those of us lucky enough to call Useppa home. You have earned our respect. We admire your integrity and honor your work ethic.

Families and Fun – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – Useppa doesn’t take for granted how lucky we are to be an island where families and friends can gather in these troubled times. Smiling faces look at the camera but masks are nearby and worn when appropriate. Reunions are gifts. A father can hug his son. Girlfriends can hang out together. Staff members work together and stay safe. In one picture it even looks like a helicopter is wearing a mask, but upon take off, with plenty of air space, it was no longer necessary.

Island Summer Quiet – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – A small wedding celebrated Island memories remembering a friend here in spirit. Old friends visited. Families spent the weekend together. Useppans helped each other through health and COVID worries. Nature’s vibrant blue-sky days and paintbrush sunsets were gifts. In a time of uncertainty, Useppa offers peace and serenity.

Signs of Island Summer – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – Walking the island, reading a good book by the pool (sometimes staying awake), lunch on the Collier Patio, comings and goings in the Marina, families sharing jet ski beach time, an engagement, a celebration of the lives of Dr C and Cindy Castellanos…. Useppa summers are something to savor. Like the names of Useppa cottages, some signs can be read. Other signs are more subtle, but smiles give them away.