There are very few nights that everything runs as smooth as last night did, especially for a Monday. When I got home from work, dinner was ready, kids were bathed and everyone was in an awesome mood. Dinner was perfect, neither child complained about dinner and no fights! Just as I was going to suggest we snuggle up and watch Frosty, the Snowman, my adoring husband asked if we would like to drive around and look at the Christmas lights in our St. Augustine golf course community.  I remembered that the World Golf Village social committee has an annual contest for the best light display from the King & Bear and Slammer & Squire and we needed to place our votes.

We loaded up in the mini-van with our hot chocolates and a Mannheim Steamroller c.d. boomin’ and began cruisin’ the streets looking for our favorite light displays to vote for. Apparently we were not the only family with this brilliant idea. The neighborhoods were decorated so beautifully. Streets were lined with twinkling snowflakes, jolly snowmen and whimsical blowups of Santa. There were “ooooohs” and “aahhhhs” from the back seat. The girls wanted to sit in front of many of the St. Augustine golf course homes and watch the dancing lights. I was reminded of how beautiful the world is looking at it through my daughters’ eyes. I saw magic and awe and I was reminded of the simple ways to really enjoy this magical season.

Gina Hull Celebrating the 10 Year Anniversary of the King & Bear

The King & Bear golf course just celebrated its 10 year anniversary with its esteemed members – who are all residents of  World Golf Village – on Saturday, November 13.  There were 160 members in attendance at the cocktail reception celebrating the event. Gina Hull, the Head Golf Professional at the King & Bear, has been there since the St. Augustine golf course was built. She is also a member of the LPGA. Currently, she teaches members of all ages how to play golf and improve their game.

I had the privilege of speaking with Gina. It is obvious that golf is so dear to her heart. Interestingly, Gina didn’t start golfing until she was 17. Gina spoke passionately about Payne Stewart and Bruce Borland, both who died in a plane crash in 1999. Bruce Borland worked for Jack Nicklaus as a designer on the King & Bear golf course, although he never got to see nor play the course he helped design. Gina told me that there is a memorial at the King & Bear called The Borland Garden, which is beautiful.

As you may know, I live in Grovewood – a family-friendly neighborhood tucked in the back of a beauitful golf course community also known as World Golf Village.  My family and I absolutely love it, especially now that the weather is cooling off. One of the best qualities of fall is the ability to enjoy the outdoors. You know fall is in the air when you pull into Grovewood because the streets are lined with children running, riding their bikes and you think you are in the Indy 500 with the power wheels that are cruisin’.

I got off work thirty minutes early which I feel is a reason to celebrate! Celebrate we did with a bottle of Pinot Noir and our beloved neighbor, Betty Gaylor. We pulled up some chairs in the drive way and began our “catch up” ritual. As we were sipping our wine, we heard lions roar. Yes, that is right! Many of you probably do not know this but very close to the King and Bear, there is a wildlife rescue called “The St. Augustine Wild Reserve”. The Founder of the Reserve, Deborah Warrick, has dedicated her life to working with exotic animals.

Recently, we read an email about Barbie and the different areas of Jacksonville, Florida.  We wanted to take the same approach with the Neighborhoods of World Golf Village, but the people here are definitely not Barbies.  So many people here have dogs and you know people are described to be like their dogs…that got us thinking…

Like a Boxer, the people of GroveWood love children.  They are loyal to their friends and are loving companions.  If you drive down Boat Landing, you will see parents out in the street watching each other’s children play while having some fun themselves.

Basset Hounds are described as “fun loving, affectionate, devoted, and peaceful”, which we think describes the people who live in St. Andrews. Whether grandchildren are stopping by to visit or planning for a committee, they do it all graciously.

The Jack Russell Terrier is the perfect dog for Bearsford. They are lively, spirited, energetic, and amusing. They are always camping, cooking out, and bike riding. These people know how to have fun!