Burn baby burn.....

It was with great sadness that we put the decorations away and carried the tree to the fire pit. Having the tree out on the patio, it stayed so fresh I hated to take it down. It was a wonderful Christmas 2008 and is time to move on to other adventures.
We all gathered down at the fire pit and turned the tree burning ceremony into a double feature by gifting Bob Hillis (83 years old) with a surprise birthday party.

Here he gets ready to blow out the candles on the chocolate and carrot cupcakes that Susie Muldoon baked. He wanted to know if we were going to put 83 candles in them. We told him it would have been a larger blaze than burning the pine tree. He was very touched, and stood up to give a small thank you speech. I was very glad that I was wearing sunglasses so no one could
see my eyes water when he thanked everyone not only for the birthday party but also for including him in all of our holiday parties and dinners. He lost his wife last winter.....he said because of our friendship he was able to get through his first holiday without her....something he had dreaded. This kind of care and giving is the heart of the resort. What a wonderful place we found to call our winter home.

Here was the beginning of the fire...once we started throwing the tree parts on we were afraid the fire department would be rushing over....that sucker really blazed.

Since it was 86 degrees today, the pool was getting lots of use. Terry Muldoon couldn't escape the crazy camera woman......

nor could Salt.....

I love the way the pool overlooks the lake....

The shuffleboard gang wondered if I might be taking pictures for Esquire or GQ.....