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A Basket of Chocolate Chip Cookies and Two Turtle Doves – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – The night before Memorial Day two little Turtle Doves fell out of their nest under the Captains’ Office in the Useppa Marina. One landed on the dock. One fell into the water. Members Lori and Dave Alter staying on their boat went into action. Dave went in saving the drowning baby. Lori and Dave carried the two birds to the bushes by the Reception Office, gave them water and left them there overnight. When the Alters had to leave the next day, the Cookie Brigade volunteered. Mother Turtle Dove found her babies but couldn’t carry them home. Working with Deputy Fire Chief Chris, Fireman Ricky, and Useppa Manager Dakota Likewise; Maxwell, Annah, and Cameron found the birds hiding in the bushes, netted them, and carried them down the dock where Dakota put them back up in their nest. Then the Brigade joined by Meriel continued with its holiday mission: drawing pictures honoring the men and women who died for our country and baking cookies to say thank you to the men and women who can’t spend the holiday with their families because they are hard at work on Useppa.

Useppa Memorial Day Weekend – Photos and thoughts by UseppaGin – Friends old and new celebrating Memorial Day Weekend on Useppa. Pulsating music, lunch on the Collier patio, drinks by the pool, children and parents floating across the pool, sitting in deck chairs, walking the beach, a game of bocce, riding golf carts around the island… all part of the fun of a visit by boat to a magical place just a few miles from the Florida mainland.

Memorial Day, Kids, and the Fish are Biting – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – The 4th generation of one family and new families gathered together on the Marina docks to reel in their catches. Captain Ken administered the Fisherman’s Oath to kids raising their right hands, raising their left legs. They promised to help their fellow fishermen whenever needed and to catch and release their fish. For one hour nothing but fun on Useppa.

Decades of Useppa Mother Love – Thoughts and pictures by UseppaGin – Almost twenty years of family pictures, almost twenty years of mothers and grandmothers, and now one Useppa great grandmother smiling at my camera. Searching through archives I found pictures of Island children who are now the next generation of Island parents. Island girls who are now Island moms. I looked at photos of mothers and their families no longer on Useppa, but who will always be part of its heart. There are pictures of mothers no longer here in fact, but here in spirit. I only wish I had photographs of all the women, all the mothers who shaped this magical place, the mothers today who care for their own families and their Useppa family.

Easter and More on Useppa – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Over 350 dinners were served on Easter Sunday. The Bunny wished the Collier Staff luck, and all went well. During the week, families gathered by the pool, friends met for lunch, people began closing cottages and heading home, the Island said a seasonal good-bye to its favorite North Point lady. Spring is almost over and summer fun about to begin.

Dancing the Night Away – Thoughts and pictures by UseppaGin – The Cotton Club Useppa Style hosted another night of great music at the Tarpon Bar. People were up and dancing, sitting down only when exhausted. Thank you to the homeowners who made it happen, Island management and staff, and some incredible musicians. Winslow and the Rockefellers made us feel like we all had rhythm.

The Easter Bunny on Useppa 2019 – Pictures and Thoughts UseppaGin – Just as Santa finds his way to the Island, the Easter Bunny finds its way. On Sunday morning, children gathered along the side of the croquet court and waited patiently. At 9:30 the Bunny appeared. Eggs were already scattered, some with money in them instead of candy. When the Bunny gave the okay, the swarm spread out. In under an hour every egg was found. The Bunny was exhausted, but children and parents were all smiles.

Island Sunrise Service – Pictures and thoughts by UseppaGin – Just before sunrise Islanders gather quietly on the beach. Pelicans go about their morning diving for fish. Gentle music breaks the silence, and then well-chosen words of welcome to the diverse community celebrating Easter. All are welcome. As the sun slowly rises, Christian believers of different faiths join those with different beliefs about God, agnostics who question, and atheists who say there is no God. Useppa is a family, and on Easter we honor that which brings us together. We give thanks.

The 2019 Izaak Walton Easter Useppa Kids Fishing Tournament – Photos and thoughts by UseppaGin – A Record Number of Fish, High Winds, and Determination describe the Easter 2019 Izaak Walton Useppa Kids Fishing Tournament. Flounder, Redfish, and Catfish were reeled in by boys and girls despite the weather. Captain Ken was kept busy taking fish off the hook, measuring each one, and talking to the angler before tossing the squiggly catch back into the water. Miss Lisa kept records and after one hour of fun, prizes and Blue Ribbons were awarded. Another great day on the dock. The tradition of family fishing continues.

Happy Hours All Day on An Island – Pictures and Words by UseppaGin – Happy Hours in the Tarpon Bar, on the beach, sailing, climbing the Banyan Tree, celebrating the Museum’s 25th Birthday, learning about the Cuban Missile Crisis from Michael Tougias, swimming in the pool…. Four generations having fun on Useppa.