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Soft Summer Days – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – It’s the quiet time of year on Useppa. Member families and friends spend weekend hours at the pool. Boats tie up at the Marina. Nature frames the day in morning sunshine, unexpected glimpses of rainbows, and the burning colors of August sunsets. Last week Useppa ladies gathered for a lunch to celebrate and reconnect with Annie Pyle who used to work in the Office. Annie took good care of the homeowners but was the best friend of Island dogs and puppies. Four-legged critters knew the way to her office even better than their owners. Being together again was a cause for celebration.

Summer on Useppa – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Grandparents, grownup children, and little grands, it’s summer on Useppa. Some members are back on the island for the first time since Hurricane Ian. Sunday croissants and eclairs from the Getaway Café are shared with employees, children, and maybe a lucky resident or two. All ages relax in the pool. Long summer sunsets and evening visits, relaxing patio lunches and dinners at the Collier (Wednesday Night Fried Chicken is back!) … each part of the lazy, quiet time of year. Hurricane recovery continues. There is still much to do, but there is also much to be grateful for.

4th of July Celebration Continued Part II – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – An island respite from a too busy mainland world. Families and friends spent their time on Useppa just having fun. Thank you to the hardworking staff who made it all possible. Thank you to all the kids for their smiles. It was impossible not to smile back. We are lucky to be part of the Useppa family. We are lucky to be Americans.

Useppa 4th of July Part I – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – It’s been a weekend celebration and family. Flags round the island reminded us we are all Americans, all lucky to be part of this country. Friends, children and parents in the pool, a delicious Sunday feast at the Collier, boats back in our rebuilt Marina, friendship and fellowship everywhere on Useppa.

Summer Solstice Weekend – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – The days are long and hot – perfect for pool time fun. Sunsets take their time, colors softening the sky. Families enjoy lunch either in the cool Collier Inn or on the patio by the pool. Useppa is a family. New and old friends relax in and beside the pool. Children swim, play chess and bocce. Boats tie up at the Marina. The Joseffa Boutique is open. Drinks are poured at the Tarpon Bar. Summer on Useppa… languorous, unhurried fun.

Memorial Day Weekend on Useppa II – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – Families on the beach, at the pool, the patio, in the Collier Inn, and at the Marina celebrated on Useppa. Flags honored memories of Islanders gone, of men and women who fought for our country. In old fashioned and wholesome ways, we observed and toasted Memorial Day Weekend.

Welcome Back to Useppa, Memorial Day Weekend Part I – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – For the first time since Hurricane Ian struck in September, Useppa Island could welcome everyone back. Boats could dock at the Marina again. Glasses were raised at Friday night’s Happy Hour. Lunches and dinners were served in the Collier Inn. The pool was open. Lunch was served on the patio. Thank you to all who made it happen. Thank you to all shared in the celebration. On a somber note, a humble thank you to the men and women who gave their lives so that we have this freedom.

The Collier Inn Is Open – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – On May 25th the Collier Inn reopened for dinner eight months after being hit by Hurricane Ian. On May 26th families and friends dined inside and outside on the Collier patio, swam in the pool, and enjoyed a soda or cocktail at the poolside bar. Hurricane recovery isn’t over, but thanks to management, loyal hardworking employees, and supportive Useppa members and homeowners, the island is becoming once again the place we love.

Cheers!!! – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Progress continues on the Marina Crow’s Nest, and drinks are served again poolside for the first time since Hurricane Ian. The Bocilla Marina welcomes everyone coming and going to the island. Reconstruction of beach side homes continues. Life on Useppa is tipping forward.

Thank you Moms – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Thank you to all the mothers and grandmothers on Useppa – residents, guests, members, and staff… The island wouldn’t be the same without your tender care. Tucking little ones in at night, showing them how to drive a golf cart, run a boat, supporting middle schoolers and teenagers through years of fun but also years with anxiety, college age grownups and young marrieds…. Mothers teach by example. We are lucky Islanders to have a community of wise and loving women. Thank you to the staff who worked on Mother’s Day. Your mothers can be proud of you.