Cigar Box Guitar Music at the Museum – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – The setting was casual. Tablecloth covered tables and chairs instead of rows of formal seating. A well-stocked bar and delicious snacks set the stage. Then the music began. Steve Arvey, one of the top cigar box guitar players in the world and his friend Captn Catfish played for hours to an audience of head bobbing, shoulder bopping islanders. The next morning Captn Catfish and Useppa homeowner Doug Ryan were on a mission. A Jimmy Buffet Florida Margaritaville license plate inscribed Parrothead was found in a FEMA pile of junked golf carts. A new cigar box guitar will be made. A return visit by Steve Arvey and Captn Catfish is in the future. Thank you to Museum Director Rona Stage and all the volunteers who made a magical night happen.
Month: January 2025
FEMA Debris Removal
FEMA Debris Removal Begins – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – On Sunday night January 19th the two FEMA barges arrived. This morning work began. Removal of debris from Hurricanes Helene and Milton is underway. It won’t be easy, and it will take time, but Island recovery continues.
January 2025
Island Fun and Friendship – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – Families and friends gathered on Useppa over the holidays. Then a new year began. Some faces changed, goodbyes were waved, but friendship and fellowship continued on the beach, in the Collier, and on the new Marina dock. Unusually low tides, ospreys snuggling on a barge, a new baby, sweatshirts instead of tee shirts…. Life on Useppa carries on. (A thank you for the pictures from New Year’s Eve)
Christmas Croquet 2024
Christmas Croquet, A Useppa Tradition Continues – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Going back decades, players in white with mallets in their hands and balls in the grass take their positions on the Robert Sumwalt Croquet Court. Experienced players are matched with newbies and the fun begins. This year’s Golf Croquet Champions are longtime player Linda O’Connell and her partner, first time player Chloe Niebuhr. Runners Up are 3rd generation player Tor Carlson and novice Anna Nekoranec. Thanks to Winky and Dave Merrill for making it happen.