4th of July week

The week of the 4th of July is becoming a tradition of visitors and activity. Debbie and I have discovered that living on the lake makes us the perfect target destination for family gatherings. At any one time you might have seen as many as 15 people streaming in and out of our condo during that week. And we weren't the only ones with lots of company. I noticed that Pam Hill was entertaining quite a bunch, the Quast kids were in and out, and Josh and Mary brought friends with them to enjoy our hospitality, the Scott's were here for a week, and Julie and Levi spent several days here with Darryl. Watching the kids running around, swimming, shooting fireworks, just reminded me of all the years my family spent camped on the banks of Lake Catherine. Those are memories that carry you forward.

Thanks to Peggy, Frank, Kim, and Mark for hosting the annual fish fry on the 4th. The food and the beer are the perfect excuse to gather in that American lake tradition of swapping fish tales and sharing stories. It's the one time we get a chance to catch up with one another.

The annual meeting Saturday was well attended and as usual, quite lively. One of the first orders of business was to elect board members. The election resulted in the retention of 4 people who had served previously and one new person. Our board members are John Shewmaker, Mike Bell, Joe Schneider, Mary Ann Weistner, and Barbara Simmons.

Many items of concern were discussed during the meeting and it's important to remember that we have a common goal; the management, maintenance, and improvement of Buena Vista. We've already seen progress in the swimming pool area, the picnic pavilion, the swim docks, the boat docks (lights), and the ramp chain. There is still a lot to be done but, just like in your private residences, priorities must be established and finances must be available before you can get the work done. I think we're on the right track.

Mike Bell! Thanks for the incredible fireworks display. I think it rivaled the Powerboats display on Tuesday night. They were beautiful and appreciated by all of us.

Just the beginning

Buena Vista is a condominium community situated on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Converted from a fishing resort to individually owned condos, Buena Vista is unique. The buildings and the grounds lend a nostalgic flavor to a new idea. It reminds my sister-in-law of the movie "Dirty Dancing."
Most owners use their condos as weekend getaways but a few of us live here on a full time basis. The actual living space is small but the payoff is huge. I drink my coffee every morning on a porch that gives me an incredible view of the lake, the birds, the fishermen. I have the advantage of living a mile off the main drag but I can't see or hear the traffic. If my living room is too crowded I can move my company to the newly renovated pavillion covered picnic area or go to the covered patio by the docks.
During the week activity is pretty limited but that all changes on Friday night, especially during the summer months. Some owners use their units as rental property and vacationers buzz in and out like bees, determined to get the most out of their time away from home. Others count the days from Monday to Friday when they can leave their houses and get to Buena Vista for a couple of days of R & R. These are the people we depend on in our little community. In a relatively short time, we've melded into a community of friends and folks with a common goal; to make Buena Vista an exemplary property that we are all proud of and enjoy.
Because we are so spread out most of the time, communication, or the lack of it, is a major concern. I hope we can use this blog to share ideas, insights, and concerns.